Surge in DHF Cases in Bima: 92 New Infections and One Fatal Case Reported – ANTARA News Update

Dengue Fever Outbreak in bima City: cases Surge in Early 2025

Bima City is grappling with a resurgence of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) as early 2025 sees a concerning spike in cases. According to teh Bima City health Office, 92 cases of DHF have been reported, with one fatality. this marks a important increase compared to the 30 cases recorded throughout 2024.

Alarming Rise in Dengue Cases

The surge in DHF cases has prompted urgent warnings from local health officials.hj. Fitriani Mahfud,Head of Disease Prevention and Control Division (P3PL) of the Bima city Health Office,stated,”This figure is experiencing a drastic surge compared to 2024 which only recorded 30 cases throughout the year.” This alarming trend underscores the need for immediate and thorough preventive measures within the community.

Dengue Fever: Understanding the Threat

Dengue fever,transmitted through the bites of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito,poses a significant health risk in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.The Dengue virus, a single-stranded RNA virus of the family Flaviviridae, is the causative agent. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are 50 to 100 million dengue infections worldwide each year, resulting in approximately 250,000 to 500,000 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever and 24,000 deaths.[
[PMC, 2004]

Recognizing Dengue Symptoms

Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. Key symptoms to watch out for include:

• Sudden high fever without an apparent cause
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pain
• Red spots on the skin
• Mild bleeding,such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums

Hj. Fitriani emphasizes, “If there are family members who experience these symptoms, the community is advised to immediately bring the patient to the nearest health facility, such as hospitals, puskesmas, or clinics.”

Prevention is Key: Community Action Needed

The Bima City Health Office stresses the importance of community involvement in curbing the spread of DHF. Effective prevention relies heavily on collective efforts to maintain environmental cleanliness and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

Practical steps individuals can take include:

• Regularly emptying and cleaning water containers, such as buckets, drums, and flower vases.
• Ensuring proper disposal of trash and eliminating standing water sources.
• Using mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing, especially during peak mosquito activity periods.
• Supporting community-led initiatives for mosquito control and environmental sanitation.

As hj. Fitriani aptly stated, “It’s better to prevent than cure. Let’s together maintain the cleanliness of the habitat to avoid the threat of DHF.”

Take Action Now

The rise in dengue cases in Bima City serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive prevention. by understanding the risks, recognizing the symptoms, and actively participating in community-wide prevention efforts, residents can protect themselves and their families from this potentially deadly disease. Take the necessary steps today to ensure mutual safety and well-being.

What innovative approaches or technologies, beyond current measures, do you think could be implemented in the future to control or eliminate dengue outbreaks in densely populated areas like bima City?

Understanding the Dengue Fever Outbreak in Bima City: An Interview with Dr. Aisha Khan

The city of Bima is currently facing a concerning surge in Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). To better understand the situation and what can be done, we spoke with Dr. Aisha Khan, a leading epidemiologist specializing in vector-borne diseases.

The alarming Rise in Dengue Cases

Archyde News: Dr. Khan, thank you for joining us. The reports from Bima city are worrying. Can you give us a clearer picture of the dengue fever outbreak situation?

Dr. Aisha Khan: Certainly. What we’re seeing in Bima City is a notable increase in DHF cases compared to last year. The latest figures indicate a significant jump, which is cause for serious concern. The Bima city Health Office reported 92 cases, a big jump from the 30 cases recorded last year.It highlights the urgency for immediate action.

Dengue Fever: Understanding the Threat and symptoms

Archyde News: For our readers who may not be familiar, could you explain what dengue fever is and how it’s transmitted using layman’s terms?

Dr. Aisha Khan: Dengue fever is a viral infection spread through the bite of infected Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. It’s a common tropical disease, and unfortunately, Bima City provides a suitable surroundings for these mosquitoes to thrive. The Dengue virus itself, falls under the Flaviviridae family, is a single-stranded RNA virus .

Recognizing Symptoms for Timely Dengue treatment

Archyde News: What are the key symptoms people should be aware of, and what steps should they take if they suspect they have dengue?

Dr. Aisha Khan: The most common symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, red spots on the skin, and sometimes mild bleeding, like nosebleeds or bleeding gums. If anyone experiences these symptoms, especially a sudden high fever, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately at the nearest healthcare facility, such as a hospital or clinic. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing severe complications.

Community Based Prevention: A Collective Responsibility

Archyde News: The Bima City Health Office emphasizes community involvement in preventing the spread.What practical steps can individuals take to help control the mosquito population?

Dr. Aisha Khan: Community participation is paramount. The most effective measures involve eliminating mosquito breeding grounds. This includes regularly emptying and cleaning water containers, like buckets and flower vases, ensuring proper trash disposal, and eliminating any standing water sources around homes.Using mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing are also helpful, notably during peak mosquito activity times. We need continued initiatives for mosquito control to work effectively.

The Future of Dengue Prevention in Bima City

Archyde News: Considering global climate change and urbanization, do you foresee dengue outbreaks becoming more frequent and severe in the future, and what long-term strategies are needed to combat this trend?

Dr. Aisha Khan: Climate change and urbanization are certainly factors that can exacerbate the dengue problem. Changes in rainfall patterns and temperatures can expand mosquito habitats, while urbanization can create more breeding grounds. Long-term strategies involve integrated vector management, which includes not only eliminating breeding sites but also using biological control methods, improving sanitation, and investing in research for new vaccines and antiviral drugs. Education and awareness campaigns are also essential to empower communities to take preventive action. What innovative approaches or technologies, beyond current measures, do you think could be implemented in the future to control or eliminate dengue outbreaks in densely populated areas like Bima City?