From January to September, North Sumatra recorded 669,835 cases of upper respiratory illnesses, an increase of around 102,687 cases, or 15 per cent, compared with the same period last year. - JP
MEDAN: The Medan Health Agency in North Sumatra has called on the public to strictly follow health protocols following a significant rise in upper respiratory infections and influenza cases across the province.
In August and September, the number of upper respiratory infection cases in Medan increased by 20 per cent, climbing from 27,715 to 30,952.
Acting head of the agency, Irliyan Saputra, said it had issued a circular instructing all healthcare providers in the city to educate residents about re-adopting health protocols implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic to curb the spread of illnesses.
“These measures include wearing masks, washing hands thoroughly with soap and running water, and maintaining distance from individuals showing symptoms of illness. People should also avoid touching their face, especially their eyes and mouth, with unclean hands to prevent viral or bacterial transmission,” Irliyan said on Wednesday (Oct 22).
He further advised the public to quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, particularly in enclosed spaces. Residents should cover their mouths with a tissue or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing.
He also emphasized the importance of consuming nutritious foods and getting adequate rest to strengthen the immune system.
From January to September, North Sumatra recorded 669,835 cases of upper respiratory illnesses, an increase of around 102,687 cases, or 15 per cent, compared with the same period last year.
Novita Rohdearni Saragih, head of disease prevention and control at the North Sumatra Health Agency, said all healthcare facilities had been instructed to increase surveillance of upper respiratory infections, including influenza-like illnesses, severe acute respiratory infections, pneumonia and Covid-19.
Officials have also been directed to conduct epidemiological investigations when a significant surge in respiratory infection cases is observed.
“Prompt reporting of cases is crucial to enable early detection and enhance preparedness to respond to any outbreak,” she said on Wednesday.
Novita reassured the public to remain calm, emphasizing that most reported cases are mild influenza rather than severe diseases such as bird flu or Covid-19.
“Don’t panic. The key is to maintain a strong immune system and continue practicing clean and healthy habits,” she said. The increase in upper respiratory infections and influenza cases is being reported beyond North Sumatra.
In recent weeks, the Health Ministry has observed a growing trend of influenza-like illnesses nationwide, based on data collected from health facilities across Indonesia. The uptick followed the ministry’s latest report earlier this month, which noted a 38 per cent increase in influenza cases nationwide as of Oct 9.
Health Ministry spokesperson Aji Muhawarman said the most dominant influenza virus in these cases was influenza A, one of the primary types of flu that affect humans. Symptoms of influenza A include fever, dry cough and headache, according to the World Health Organization.
While most people recover within a week without medical care, influenza A can also lead to respiratory illnesses or death in high-risk groups, such as the elderly, the WHO said.
Aji of the Health Ministry pointed out that the current rise in influenza A cases was partly a result of the seasonal transition toward the rainy season, noting a similar trend has also been observed in neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
“During the rainy season, lower temperatures and high humidity make it easier for viruses to survive, replicate and spread,” Aji said last week, as quoted by Tempo. Additionally, some health experts have pointed to extreme heat in southern Indonesia during this transitional period as a contributing factor.
They highlighted that extreme temperature fluctuations degrade air quality and weaken the immune system, leaving people, especially children and the elderly, more susceptible to infections. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
