Bali Health Officials Report A Continued Rise In Cases Of Dengue Fever

Bali Health Officials Report A Continued Rise In Cases Of Dengue Fever

The rise in dengue virus cases has become a new public health concern. With people falling ill on a regular basis, health officials continue to advise residents and visitors to take the necessary precautions.

Aside from the fact that there are no safe and effective vaccines against the virus, an aggravating factor is that a person can get the viral disease multiple times after contracting the virus.

A statement from health authorities in the Badung region of Bali confirms a recent increase in dengue fever infections.

On July 7, Dr. I. Wayan Darta, acting head of the Badung Health Department, told reporters that there has been a surge in dengue fever cases in the city. Between January and June 25, 2022, there were a total of 771 DHF [dengue] patients. 

“I do not know the exact numbers, but from the 25th to today, there may be 800 people,” he said.

All health departments in Indonesia, including the one in Badung, keep a close eye on dengue cases. 

The Badung Health Office has provided data showing that there were 89 reported cases in January 2022, 52 in February, and 60 known cases in March.

From April to March, there was another increase to 81 known cases, and in May there was a sharp increase to 156 cases.

According to Dr. Darta, “If 771 cases are reached cumulatively by June 25, 2022, then the number of dengue cases in June 2022 is estimated to be more than 300 cases.”

Bali Is Seeing A Spike In Dengue Fever Cases

Health officials have warned communities and visitors to step up efforts to avoid mosquito bites as dengue fever cases have increased. 

Although wearing loose clothing, applying insect repellent, and sleeping with a mosquito net can help prevent mosquito bites, environmental initiatives are the most effective strategy to stop the spread of dengue fever.

Do not leave standing water where mosquitoes can breed, Dr. Darta warned. “Do not leave standing water where mosquitoes can multiply. In a moment, the rain will create puddles that mosquitoes will immediately seek out.” 

Homeowners and local officials are urged to eliminate standing water with a drain and conduct fogging operations to eliminate mosquito nets.

Although dengue fever is a dangerous infection, health authorities have not issued an official travel warning. Unfortunately, outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases are not uncommon in Bali due to the island’s tropical climate.