Indonesia Steps Up Influenza Monitoring as Cases Rise in Regions
Health authorities in Aceh, Bali and Medan are expanding influenza monitoring as cases rise. Officials say conditions remain manageable, but have urged people…
MEDAN — Indonesia’s regions step up influenza monitoring as health authorities respond to rising cases in several areas. Officials say the situation remains manageable, but are urging residents to take precautions and strengthening surveillance to track the virus.
The response spans Aceh, Bali and Medan in North Sumatra. Measures include monitoring infection trends, testing samples, encouraging masks for people with symptoms and preparing health facilities to detect cases early.
In Aceh, the health agency urged residents with influenza symptoms to wear masks, maintain personal hygiene and wash their hands regularly, especially in crowded settings. Residents were also encouraged to consider vaccination as a preventive measure.
“Over the past two weeks, several schools around Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar have suspended classes, particularly boarding schools. This is a positive step because it can help prevent the spread of influenza,” Iman Murahman, the agency’s head of disease prevention and control, said on Thursday, as quoted by RRI.
Iman said influenza cases in Aceh had increased in recent weeks, though the situation remained under control and had not reached a concerning level. The agency monitors trends through the Early Warning and Response System (SKDR) and conducts laboratory tests on samples to track the virus and guide its response.
Influenza A detected in Bali samples
Bali has asked local health authorities to step up surveillance after tests found influenza A in nine samples. All patients linked to those positive results have recovered.
“Of the 113 samples we recently tested, nine came back positive for influenza A, although all the patients have recovered,” said I Gusti Ayu Raka Susanti, head of disease prevention and control at the Bali health agency, as quoted by Antaranews on Monday.
Respiratory infections remain the most commonly reported illnesses at healthcare facilities across Bali, Susanti said. The agency has told providers across the island to raise public awareness and advise residents with flu symptoms to wear masks, avoid crowded places and limit outdoor activities.
Most influenza A cases are mild and resolve without hospitalization, according to the source report. The virus can, however, cause severe complications, including pneumonia and breathing difficulties, particularly among vulnerable groups, and can be fatal in severe cases.
That risk gives local precautions practical importance: health agencies are asking symptomatic residents to reduce opportunities for transmission while providers watch for infections that may need closer attention. The advice is directed at everyday settings, from crowded places to schools and healthcare facilities.
Medan and national monitoring
In Medan, health authorities have urged hospitals and community health centres to strengthen early detection and prepare for a potential outbreak after cases rose sharply in September. The city recorded 34 influenza cases from January through Oct. 2, including 20 in September, said Surya Syahputra Pulungan, acting head of the Medan Health Agency.
Surya attributed the rise partly to changing weather, with rapid shifts between rain and sunshine in recent months potentially contributing to respiratory infections. Children and teenagers, particularly girls, accounted for the largest share of cases, he said.
North Sumatra recorded 56 influenza A cases as of Oct. 5, up from the previous year, said Hamid Rijal Lubis, secretary of the provincial health agency. “Although cases have increased, the situation remains manageable but warrants continued vigilance,” he told The Jakarta Post on Monday.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said influenza activity was increasing in Indonesia and across Southeast Asia, but remained in the moderate range and did not yet warrant alarm. He said the government was strengthening surveillance and preparedness so changes in case numbers could be monitored closely.
Ministry data showed an influenza test positivity rate of 56 percent between Sept. 14 to Sept. 20, with influenza A (H1N1pdm09) the dominant strain.
Source: asianews.network
