Prof. dr. Adi Utarini, MSc, MPH., Ph.D. as the main researcher of the Yogyakarta World Mosquito Program (WMP), reminded the community to be more aware of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) in the upcoming rainy season. She revealed that dengue cases have currently increased. The Ministry of Health confirmed data that until October 27, 2020, there is an increase in dengue cases of 93,178 cases with 645 deaths.
Prof. Uut, as she is well-known, added that from the human aspect, to prevent dengue is by implementing a Clean and Healthy Lifestyle (PHBS), with a well-balanced nutritional intake. “Also, do not forget to do regular exercise and adequate rest,” she told reporters on Wednesday (18/11).
WMP Yogyakarta Entomologist also conveyed the same thing, Warsito Tantowijoyo, Ph.D., said that there is usually an increase in the mosquito population, particularly in the rainy season. This condition is then linked with the La Nina phenomenon in November, affecting Indonesia’s high rainfall. “In the middle of the rainy season, there is lots of stagnant water that is possible to be a breeding area for mosquito larvae,” he said.
Prof. Uut also stated that there are many steps to reduce dengue fever, starting with the Eradication of Mosquito Nests (PSN), 1 House 1 Jumantik, and fogging. However, WMP Yogyakarta releases the Aedes aegypti mosquito with Wolbachia to overcome dengue cases in Yogyakarta City. “We innovated Wolbachia technology, which has been confirmed to be efficient in hindering the replication of the dengue virus in the Aedes aegypti mosquito,” she said.
According to her, some advantages testimony from residents’ has made her interested in expanding mosquito release to areas that have not been exposed to Wolbachia mosquitoes. This condition is also supported by requests from some residents and its local government officials.
This 3-year study has shown Wolbachia’s efficacy, namely Wolbachia. It effectively reduces 77 percent of dengue rate in the intervention area compared to the control area. Until now, WMP Yogyakarta has released thousands of buckets filled with Aedes aegypti mosquito eggs containing Wolbachia, placed in people’s shelters, for about 4 – 6 months, until the percentage of Wolbachia is established at 60 percent. “The development of the Wolbachia benefits through storing buckets of Wolbachia mosquito eggs in people’s residences and public facilities has taken place in 29 sub-districts in 15 health centers,” she said.
Meantime, Drg. Yudiria Amelia, as the Head of Disease Control and Eradication (P2P) Yogyakarta City Health Office, stated that in this rainy season, the Health Office reminded health centers to carry out socialization to the public to be more aware of dengue. She also appealed to the public to be soon coming to the nearest health facility for further treatment if one felt the symptoms of DHF or COVID-19.
Author: Gusti Grehenson