Jakarta, IO – The rainy season, often accompanied by foods, also sees the emergence of various diseases. People should be aware of the danger of illnesses that come during the rainy season, especially in areas frequently hit by floods. Some of these are transmitted through animals (zoonosis), and some are caused by environmental hygiene that is not maintained. Viruses cause influenza and upper respiratory tract infections (ARI), bacteria cause typhoid and diarrhea, mosquito vectors cause dengue fever and malaria, while rat urine in stagnant water can cause leptospirosis.
“During the rainy season, the weather changes, and the soil is also wetter, so microorganisms that cause disease develop faster, because they benefit from this condition. I gave an example: standing water is a good place for the development of the Aedes aegypti mosquito that carries dengue fever. Maintaining personal and environmental hygiene as well as increasing endurance is the best way to avoid diseases that often appear during the rainy season,” said dr. Sucahyo Adi Nugroho from Sulianti Saroso Hospital, Jakarta, in a live IG, themed “Improve Health in the Rainy Season to Avoid Infection” which was held on Wednesday (4/1/2023).
He stated that to stay healthy, we need to increase our body power by getting enough rest, consuming nutritious food, and exercising regularly for 150 minutes per week. “We need enough sleep for about eight hours a day. Then, do we need vitamin supplements? Not necessary, if the food already contains enough micronutrients. Besides, vitamins and mineral from fruits and vegetables are easily digested by the body. Don’t forget to wash your hands frequently. By diligently washing our hands, we can minimize exposure to viruses that can cause various diseases,” he explained.
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Specifically for dengue fever, the Ministry of Health noted that up until the 52nd week of 2022, cumulatively 125,888 cases were reported, with 1,082 deaths. The incidence rate (IR) is 45.8 per 100,000 population and the case fatality rate (CFR) is 0.86% per 100,000. Cases were reported from 470 districts/cities in 34 provinces. There were an additional 4,002 cases and 20 deaths in week 52, emerging from 123 districts/cities in 10 provinces (Aceh, West Java, DIY, Central Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, Gorontalo, Central Sulawesi, NTB, North Maluku, and North Kalimantan).
In the end, dr. Sucahyo stressed that health protocols should still be implemented even though the Community Activity Restrictions (Pemberlakuan Pembatasan Kegiatan Masyarakat-“PPKM”) policy has been lifted. “Wearing a mask means we protect the rights of others to live a healthy life, not to get infected by us,” he concluded. (est)