Dengue Fever Cases Surge in Pariaman, Prompting Officials to urge Prevention Measures
Pariaman, West Sumatra, has seen a worrying rise in dengue fever cases, with health officials reporting 85 instances as of 2024. This marks a notable increase from the 67 cases recorded in 2023. Adding to the concern, two outbreaks were identified in Santok Village and Balai Village in 2024, following three outbreaks in Pondok Village, West Pauh, and Rambai Village the previous year. Rio Arisandi, Acting Head of the Pariaman City Health Service, emphasizes that a combination of factors contributes to the spread of dengue. Unpredictable weather patterns create favorable breeding grounds for mosquito larvae, while inadequate awareness among residents about mosquito nest eradication plays a crucial role. “the high number of dengue fever cases and outbreaks,or even fatalities,are due to weather factors and the presence of water storage containers that serve as breeding grounds for mosquito larvae,” Arisandi stated.”Low awareness of residents regarding the eradication of mosquito nests (PSN) by implementing 3M plus is also a significant factor in the persistent presence of dengue in Pariaman.” The crucial 3M plus approach, according to Arisandi, involves diligently draining water reservoirs, ensuring they are properly closed, and responsibly recycling waste that could accumulate water and become breeding sites for mosquitoes. he further advises residents to supplement these measures with the use of mosquito repellent medications or plants, installing mosquito nets during sleep, and even introducing fish into water reservoirs to naturally control mosquito larvae. “Therefore, we continuously urge residents to enhance their awareness and actively implement 3M plus, a strategy we have been advocating for several years,” Arisandi stressed. Early reports from january to early August 2024 indicated 60 dengue cases in Pariaman, with two extraordinary incidents occurring during that period. Arisandi highlights that fogging efforts, while helpful, are not a substitute for proactive community involvement in maintaining a clean environment and eliminating potential breeding sites.## Pariaman Grapples with Dengue Surge
With dengue fever cases on the rise in Pariaman, West Sumatra, we spoke with Rio Arisandi, Acting Head of the Pariaman City Health Service, about the factors driving the surge and the measures being taken to mitigate it.
**Archiyde:** Mr. Arisandi, Pariaman has seen a significant increase in dengue cases this year. What are the primary contributing factors to this surge?
**Rio Arisandi:** We are seeing a combination of factors at play. Unpredictable weather patterns, leading to periods of heavy rainfall followed by stagnant water, create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. However, a key issue is the lack of awareness among residents about mosquito nest eradication.
**Archiyde:** Can you elaborate on the importance of public awareness in combating dengue?
**Rio Arisandi:** Absolutely. Public awareness campaigns targeting the crucial 3M plus approach are essential. This involves diligently draining any containers holding stagnant water, ensuring they are properly closed, and responsibly discarding waste that could collect water. It’s paramount that residents adopt these practices as a routine part of daily life.
**Archiyde:** Some residents might argue that fogging efforts are sufficient to control mosquito populations. What is your stance on this?
**Rio Arisandi:** While fogging can be helpful, it is not a long-term solution. It is a reactive measure that targets adult mosquitoes but does not address the root cause: breeding grounds.We need to focus on proactive measures like 3M plus and community sanitation to truly curb the spread of dengue.
**Archiyde:** What steps is the Pariaman health service actively taking to raise awareness and promote preventive measures?
**Rio Arisandi:** We are continuously advocating for 3M plus and working closely with community leaders and local organizations to disseminate data and conduct outreach programs. We urge residents to actively participate in these initiatives and take responsibility for safeguarding their families and communities.
**Archiyde:** What role can readers play in addressing this issue? How can individuals contribute to preventing the spread of dengue?
**rio Arisandi:** Every individual can play a critical role. Beyond practicing 3M plus diligently, consider using mosquito repellents, sleeping under mosquito nets, and even introducing fish into water storage containers to naturally control mosquito larvae.early detection and prompt treatment are also vital. If you experience symptoms like fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, consult a healthcare professional instantly.
**Archiyde:** Do you believe that the current efforts are sufficient to effectively control the dengue situation in Pariaman?
**Rio Arisandi:** While we are actively working to address the issue,controlling dengue requires a sustained and collaborative effort from all stakeholders. This includes city authorities, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and, most importantly, the active participation of every resident.
**Archiyde:**
what advice would you give to other regions facing a similar surge in dengue cases?
**Rio Arisandi:** Proactive prevention is key. Implementing robust public awareness campaigns, promoting community involvement in sanitation efforts, and emphasizing early detection and treatment are essential strategies. Remember, dengue is preventable. By working together, we can create healthier, safer communities.
## Pariaman Grapples with Dengue Surge
With dengue fever cases on the rise in Pariaman, West Sumatra, we spoke with Rio Arisandi, Acting Head of the Pariaman City Health Service, about the factors driving this surge and the measures being taken to mitigate it.
**Archyde:** Mr. Arisandi, Pariaman has seen a important increase in dengue cases this year. What are the primary contributing factors to this surge?
**Rio Arisandi:** We are seeing a combination of factors at play. Unpredictable weather patterns, leading to periods of heavy rainfall followed by stagnant water, create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. However,a key issue is the lack of awareness among residents about mosquito nest eradication.
**Archyde:** Can you elaborate on the importance of public awareness in combating dengue?
**Rio Arisandi:** Absolutely. Public awareness is crucial. manny residents are unaware of the simple steps they can take to prevent mosquito breeding around their homes. This includes draining any standing water, ensuring containers are properly sealed, and correctly disposing of waste that coudl collect water.
**Archyde:** You mentioned the “3M plus” approach. Could you explain what this entails and why it’s so vital?
**Rio Arisandi:** The 3M plus strategy is a proven method for controlling mosquito populations. It stands for “Menguras” (draining), “Menutup” (closing), and “mendaur ulang” (recycling). Basically, it means diligently emptying any containers that collect water, ensuring they are properly sealed to prevent further breeding, and responsibly recycling waste that could hold water. We also encourage residents to add “plus” measures, such as using mosquito repellent, sleeping under mosquito nets, and even introducing fish into water reservoirs to control larvae naturally.
**Archyde:** Are there any specific initiatives or campaigns underway in Pariaman to raise awareness about dengue prevention?
**Rio Arisandi:** Yes, we are actively engaged in community outreach programs. We are working with local leaders, schools, and healthcare workers to educate residents about dengue prevention measures. We also conduct regular fogging operations to control mosquito populations, but it’s significant to emphasize that fogging alone is not enough. It’s a reactive measure, while proactive community involvement in eliminating breeding sites is essential for long-term control.
**Archyde:** what message woudl you like to give to the residents of Pariaman regarding dengue prevention?
**Rio Arisandi:** I urge all residents to take dengue prevention seriously. it’s a collective obligation. By implementing the 3M plus strategy diligently and being vigilant about eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, we can substantially reduce the risk of dengue in Pariaman. Early detection and treatment are also crucial, so please seek medical attention immediatly if you experience symptoms such as fever, headache, joint pain, and rash.