JAKARTA – The implementation of the dengue hemorrhagic fever (DBD) control program with the Aedes aegypti mosquito containing the Wolbachia bacteria in West Jakarta (Jakbar) still focuses on replacing eggs every two weeks.
“Implementation in West Jakarta, especially Kembangan Utara Subdistrict, is in the process of replacing eggs every two weeks since the first egg ‘release’ was carried out,” said Acting Head of the Disease Prevention and Control Division of the DKI Jakarta Health Service, Maryati Kasiman, when contacted at Jakarta, Antara, Sunday, November 24.
The distribution of buckets containing wolbachia mosquito eggs along with food to the homes of mosquito foster parents (OTA) began on October 8 2024. Meanwhile, the official launch of the program was held on October 4.
Every two weeks, the Health Service carries out a bucket service process including refilling water, mosquito eggs and feed to ensure the program runs optimally and according to expectations.
Kembangan sub-district was chosen as the first location for the release of wolbachia-bearing mosquitoes in Jakarta because it has the highest number of dengue fever cases in 2023 with an incidence rate (IR, namely the number of dengue fever cases divided by the population at the same time multiplied by 100,000 inhabitants) of 54.1 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Maryati said, after changing the eggs for the third time, the first monitoring would be carried out by the Jakarta Public Health Laboratory Center (BBLKM).
“This is to find out the percentage of Wolbachia-bearing Aedes mosquitoes that already exist in nature,” he said.
According to the Ministry of Health, Wolbachia bacteria can paralyze the dengue virus in the body of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, thus opening up new potential in controlling dengue fever.
The implementation of the Wolbachia-bearing Aedes aegypti mosquito in one area is said to be successful if the mosquito population reaches 60 percent compared to other mosquito populations.
Apart from egg replacement, continued Maryati, the DKI Health Office is also in the process of preparing to expand egg release in North Meruya Village, Kembangan District.
Meanwhile, data on dengue fever cases up to November 18 cumulatively reached 12,686 cases with an IR of 111.77/100,000 population.
The number of dengue fever cases in October was 264 cases, while the peak of cases in 2024 occurred in April, with 3,165 cases.
The Health Service hopes that residents can work together to prevent dengue fever by eradicating 3M Plus mosquito nests (PSN), including during the current rainy season.
3M Plus activities include draining water reservoirs, closing water reservoirs, recycling various items that have the potential to become breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
Then, additional points need to be taken, such as planting plants that can ward off mosquitoes, keeping fish that eat mosquito larvae, providing larvicide to water reservoirs that are difficult to drain and repairing water channels and gutters that are not running smoothly.
JAKARTA: The Mosquito Soap Opera – DBD Control Program Edition
Ah, dengue fever. The gift that keeps on giving—if you’re a mosquito. In West Jakarta, they’re rolling out a very scientific plan to tackle the Aedes aegypti menace. And how do they do it? With a mix of cunning and a bit of a mullet: Wolbachia bacteria. No, it’s not the name of a trendy band. It’s a hope for a future without hospital beds overflowing with dengue sufferers!
The Eggcellent Initiative!
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty—the “egg replacement program.” Every two weeks, these ingenious folks are replacing mosquito eggs like they’re swapping out the tea bags at your Aunt Margie’s house. Yes, the distribution began on October 8, 2024. Don’t worry, I know what you’re thinking: “Eggs?! Are we talking brunch or plague prevention here?”
The Health Service assures us that each bucket is given the royal treatment: water, mosquito eggs, and food to keep those little critters happy. Think of it as the exclusive Aedes Mosquito Spa getaway—complete with a complimentary mint leaf garnish. I can hear the mosquitoes now: “Forget the blood bags! We’re living in luxury!”
The Mosquito Population Crisis!
Let’s zoom in on Kembangan Utara Subdistrict—dubbed the hottest spot for dengue in 2023. With a 54.1 incidence rate per 100,000 inhabitants, it seems these little bloodsuckers are more popular than celebrity influencers on social media! If only we could harness that fame to generate a little vaccine instead, right?
And can we talk about monitoring? After the third egg switcheroo, they’re sending in the lab coats to check on the Wolbachia mosquitoes. They’re going to live-stream this event, people! Who knows? Maybe we’ll see them breakdance a bit—“Live from Jakarta, the Wolbachia Showdown!”
The Miracle of Wolbachia!
The government—with all its bureaucratic charm—has decided that Wolbachia could play a key role in controlling the dengue menace. It’s like the viral video of the season! The bacteria essentially takes out the dengue virus’s ability to wreak havoc. Talk about a plot twist! If we could just get these mosquitoes on TikTok, we might make scientists out of them yet!
Let’s Not Forget the 3M Plus!
And for those of you keeping score at home, the Health Office is also big on the 3M Plus method. What’s that, you say? It means “Draining, Closing, and Recycling.” Sounds like the perfect recipe for a mosquito-less future—no more stinky human leftovers for the insects to enjoy!
When it comes to eradicating those pesky nests, it’s not just a one-time job. We’re talking about keeping your backyard cleaner than a germaphobe’s kitchen! And if you want to go the extra mile, why not throw in some aquatic life or darling little plants that can ward off mosquitoes? Who knew that planting could become a part-time mosquito-murdering scheme?
Conclusion: Engage, Don’t Enrage!
So folks, as the rains pour down and the mosquitoes prepare for their intermittent buffet, let’s hope that the residents of Jakarta are doing more than just rolling their eyes and slapping at invisible pests. Get engaged! Get involved! Because when it comes to mosquitoes, a little bit of prevention can go a long way. Or could it just lead to them being the next social media stars? Only time will tell!
And remember, just because the government is giving away mosquito eggs doesn’t mean you have to accept them with open arms. Well, at least not without a good insect repellent handy!
How does community involvement contribute to the success of the DBD Control Program led by Maryati Kasiman?
**Interview with Maryati Kasiman: A Deep Dive into the DBD Control Program in Jakarta**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Maryati! Thank you for joining us today. It sounds like you’re running quite an exciting initiative with the Aedes aegypti mosquito eggs! Can you share with us the main goals of the dengue control programme using these eggs with Wolbachia bacteria?
**Maryati Kasiman:** Good morning! Thank you for having me. The main goal of our programme is to reduce the incidence of dengue hemorrhagic fever in Jakarta, particularly in areas like Kembangan Utara Subdistrict, which has recorded a high number of dengue cases. By introducing Wolbachia bacteria into the Aedes aegypti mosquito population, we aim to disrupt the life cycle of the dengue virus within the mosquitoes, thus reducing the number of cases.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! So, could you explain how the “egg replacement programme” works and what happens every two weeks?
**Maryati Kasiman:** Absolutely! Every two weeks, our team distributes buckets containing newly sourced mosquito eggs, water, and food for the larvae. This is similar to a nurturing environment for them. We want to ensure the eggs are well taken care of before they hatch and integrate into the local ecosystem. After the third round of egg distribution, we will conduct monitoring to assess how many of these Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes have successfully flourished in the environment.
**Interviewer:** It sounds very hands-on and quite organized! What prompted the decision to focus on Kembangan Utara as the first location for this programme?
**Maryati Kasiman:** Kembangan Utara was selected due to its high incidence rate of dengue fever, which is currently at 54.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. By targeting this particular area first, we hope to see significant results and gather valuable data that will inform us about the effectiveness of our programme.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of data, how will you measure the success of introducing these Wolbachia mosquitoes in the area?
**Maryati Kasiman:** The programme will be deemed successful if we can achieve a population of at least 60% Wolbachia-bearing Aedes mosquitoes in comparison to the local mosquito population. We’ll monitor this through testing conducted by the Jakarta Public Health Laboratory Center, gathering insights into the percentage of mosquitoes with Wolbachia bacteria.
**Interviewer:** Beyond the egg replacement programme, are there other strategies in place to combat dengue fever in Jakarta?
**Maryati Kasiman:** Yes, alongside our programme, we are encouraging residents to actively participate in preventing dengue by eradicating mosquito breeding grounds through the 3M Plus initiative. This includes draining stagnant water, covering water containers, and recycling potential habitats for mosquitoes. Additionally, we are considering future expansions of our egg distribution programme to other areas like North Meruya Village.
**Interviewer:** It seems like community involvement is crucial for this initiative’s success. What message do you want to convey to the residents of Jakarta?
**Maryati Kasiman:** I want to emphasize that every resident plays a vital role in preventing dengue fever. By taking simple steps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and staying informed, we can collectively make our communities healthier. We’re all in this together!
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your insights, Maryati! Your work and dedication are truly commendable. We wish you the best of luck with the programme!
**Maryati Kasiman:** Thank you! I appreciate your interest in our efforts, and we’re hopeful for a dengue-free Jakarta!
