Batam Sees Sharp Rise in Dengue Fever Cases in 2024, with 14 Deaths Reported
BATAM — The Health Agency (Dinas Kesehatan) of Batam City has reported a drastic increase in dengue fever cases, with 871 cases recorded between January and December 2024, compared to 392 cases in 2023.
Didi Kusmarjadi, the head of Dinas Kesehatan Batam, stated that out of the total cases, 14 patients have sadly passed away. "This year’s dengue fever cases have significantly risen, with 513 male patients and 358 female patients," said Didi on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Data from Dinas Kesehatan shows that Bengkong District recorded the highest number of cases with 146, followed by Batam City (136), Sagulung (135), Sekupang (106), Batu Ampar (94), and Batuaji (85).
The age group most affected was those above 15 years old, with 440 cases. The 10-14 year age group contributed 173 cases, followed by 5-9 years old with 172 cases, 1-4 years old with 75 cases, and infants under one year old with 11 cases.
In response to the alarming rise in cases, particularly during the rainy season, the Batam City Government has issued a circular letter (Surat Edaran) No. 23/2024. Dinas Kesehatan has also established house and office mosquito inspections, intensified disinfection in public spaces, and reinforced the 3M Plus campaign (emptying, covering, burying, and additional preventive actions), including the "One House, One Mosquito Inspector" (G1R1J) program.
"Through G1R1J, every household must have at least one member acting as a mosquito inspector to ensure no breeding grounds are present," explained Didi. The agency hopes these efforts will help control the dengue fever outbreak and minimize the spread of the virus in Batam.
