Dengue fever (DF) remains a major health problem in Indonesia and globally. The disease is caused by the dengue virus and transmitted to humans by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates.
To date, no specific treatment exists for the clinical management of dengue infection, making prevention efforts a key strategy, especially as infection rates remain high among children and young adults.
“Dengue infection presents a significant public health challenge, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Although mortality rates have declined, the high incidence and absolute death count remain alarming,” said Professor Eggi Arguni, MD, from the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM) during her professorial inauguration on Thursday (Apr. 10).
She was inaugurated as a professor of pediatric medicine.
In her inaugural address, “Dengue Infection in Children: The Need for Innovative Solutions to Address the Global Burden,” Professor Arguni highlighted that one of the ongoing challenges in diagnosing and treating dengue is the lack of curative options, with current management still limited to supportive or symptomatic care.
Children with dengue infection without warning signs may be treated as outpatients, provided parents receive adequate education.
Meanwhile, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided due to the risk of bleeding.
“As no specific antiviral medication is available, fluid therapy remains the main treatment option for dengue,” she explained.
Professor Arguni outlined several innovative solutions for managing dengue infection. First, vector control methods that are innovative, sustainable, and evidence-based should be further supported.
She cited the Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti mosquito technology, which has received support from local communities and governments, as a promising complementary method for dengue vector control, especially if large-scale implementation models can be developed.
Second, the development of sensitive and affordable diagnostic tools for early detection of dengue infection, along with a consistent supply of diagnostics, remains essential for clinical services, especially at the primary care level.
“Clinical management guidelines should also be updated regularly, considering comorbidities and specific conditions,” she stated.
Third, progress in developing dengue vaccine candidates and efforts to incorporate them into the national immunization program would represent a significant milestone in dengue prevention among children in Indonesia.
Fourth, strengthening comprehensive and real-time dengue surveillance is crucial in identifying potential outbreaks early and enabling rapid responses.
Fifth, sustained community engagement in dengue prevention efforts is critical. Given Indonesia’s vast geography and ethnically diverse population, public participation is central to combating dengue.
Lastly, advancing knowledge in dengue pathogenesis will open doors to further molecular genetic research on the dengue virus and host genetics.
“Further investigation of endothelial target molecules and chemical mediators involved in plasma leakage could offer new insights,” she concluded.
At the end of her speech, Professor Arguni emphasized that addressing dengue infection requires a multifaceted approach. She stated that comprehensive prevention and clinical management strategies need to be implemented in an integrated way. By working together in these efforts, we can significantly reduce the child mortality rate caused by dengue.
“Together, let us aim for zero dengue deaths and create a healthier future for the next generation,” she urged.
Dengue in Indonesia was first reported in Jakarta and Surabaya in 1968.
Over 57 years, incidence rates have increased to 92.06 per 100,000 population, while the case fatality rate (CFR) reached 20% in the 1960s–1970s. The latest Indonesian Ministry of Health data showed a CFR of 0.61% in 2024.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Donnie