Magetan Sees Surge in Aedes Aegypti Mosquito Bites, Dengue Fever Cases Rise
MAGETAN — Heavy rainfall towards the end of 2024 has brought a worrying increase in Aedes Aegypti mosquito bites, leading to a rise in dengue fever cases in Magetan. The Aedes Aegypti species is known to carry the dengue virus, which causes the deadly disease known as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF).
Data from Magetan’s Health Department (Dinkes) reveals that 22 cases of Aedes Aegypti bites were recorded in December 2024 alone. "In November 2024, there were 24 cases, and as of today in December, there are 22 cases," said Agoes Yudi Purnomo, the Sub-Coordinator of the Disease Prevention and Control Division (P2PM) at Magetan Dinkes, on Sunday (29/12).
This year, Magetan has seen a total of 592 cases of Aedes Aegypti bites, resulting in 4 deaths. "The total number of cases by the end of December is 592, with 4 fatalities," Agoes Yudi Purnomo confirmed.
Purnomo emphasized that the lack of accurate public understanding is hindering effective mosquito control efforts. He stressed the importance of proactive prevention measures, such as structured, systematic, and widespread mosquito breeding site elimination. "People tend to rely too much on ‘fogging’ or mosquito spraying. However, that’s not the main solution. Early prevention efforts should be prioritized, as studies in 2023 showed that many dengue-carrying mosquitoes in Magetan have become resistant to the insecticides we use," Purnomo concluded.
As the dengue season continues, Magetan’s health authorities urge residents to take active roles in mosquito control and prevention efforts to curb the spread of dengue fever.
