Jakarta, IO – Singapore flu cases in Indonesia have increased significantly. Data from the Health Ministry (Kemenkes) reveals that the disease, also known as Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), has infected more than 5,000 people in the eleventh week of 2024.
Prof Dr dr Erlina Burhan, a pulmonologist and member of the Infectious Disease Control Study Division (PB) of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI), detailed that 738 cases have been in Banten province alone.
“From January to March, Banten Health Bureau reported 14 suspected cases of Singapore flu in the province,” said Erlina, per Detikcom, Thu (28/3).
The Singapore flu or HFMD is caused by the coxsackievirus strain, A16. Erlina explained that basically, this disease can attack all groups, although most reports occur in children. She also said that age was a risk factor for transmitting the virus.
“Children are a source of transmission of the virus, because many of these children are infected and we also need to know that the less good the socio-economic conditions of children and toddlers, the faster the possibility of being infected,” said Erlina.
“For children who are infected but do not have symptoms or have no symptoms, meaning there is no swelling, no sore throat, no runny nose, the virus will be excreted in the feces.”
Erlina explained that this virus can be found in feces and can last several weeks. According to her, this acts as a source of virus transmission, especially due to lack of hygiene.
Apart from that, Erlina also explained that virus transmission can occur through droplets and food. This is related to the habit of touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus without washing hands, then causing the virus to enter through food.
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“The virus can also be in the oral cavity and even reach the respiratory tract, of course when you cough, sneeze and talk, droplets come out and these droplets contain the virus,” she explained.
She appealed to the public to be careful and adopt a healthy lifestyle to avoid contracting the Singapore flu because poor sanitation will increase the possibility of virus contamination which will lead to infection. (un)