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West Manggarai steps up efforts to combat dengue fever
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Domestic and foreign tourists are seen at the Pink Beach in the Komodo National Park in West Manggarai, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on May 10, 2017. The site has become a popular spot for foreign visitors who want to enjoy natural beaches and underwater beauty. (The Jakarta Post/Markus Makur)
Dengue fever cases continue to mark the ongoing rainy season, challenging Indonesia to prevent the spread of the disease.
Following up the Health Ministry’s record of more than 9,000 dengue cases recently, some provinces have taken measures to tackle the issue, for instance by eliminating mosquito nests, raising public participation for prevention, fogging and using larvicide.
West Manggarai regency in East Nusa Tenggara, a popular travel destination, has taken several measures in response to the disease.
“We are very concerned about the dengue fever cases, as they may trigger the issuance of travel warnings,” West Manggarai regent Agustinus Ch. Dula told Antara.
Read also: Bogor yet to be put on alert despite dengue cases
The regent admitted that dengue fever had been declared an Extraordinary Occurrence (KLB) in West Manggarai in late 2018, with 297 cases of dengue fever recorded in the regency in January alone.
The regency administration has also formed a task force (Satgas) to overcome the tropical mosquito-borne disease. Neighborhood units (RT), community units (RW) and other regency administrations are urged to take part in the task force.
“We have to ensure that the cases do not turn into an outbreak that will lead to travel warnings,” said Agustinus, noting that an outbreak would discourage foreign travelers from visiting West Manggarai, home of the Komodo National Park. (mut)
