Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Spread Sparks Global Concern, Indonesia on Alert
BANJARMASIN, Indonesia – The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a virus that targets the respiratory system, has entered the global spotlight following outbreaks in several countries, including China and the United States. Its presence has also been detected in Malaysia, and there are reports of its existence in Indonesia.
Although not classified as a deadly disease, HMPV’s potential spread is a cause for concern. Mathematics, a deputy speaker of the Banjarmasin City Council (DPRD), has urged the local Health Agency (Dinkes) to take preventative measures to avoid its spread in the ‘city of a thousand rivers’. "We can’t afford to take this lightly. Even without confirmed cases, early vigilance is crucial," he stressed. "Educating the public about prevention methods is also key."
Banjarmasin’s Dinkes has been tasked with ensuring the readiness of healthcare facilities to detect potential cases. Emma Ariesnawati, head of the Prevention and Control of Disease Division at Dinkes Banjarmasin, revealed that they are continuously monitoring the virus’s potential spread through reports from healthcare facilities like puskesmas and hospitals. This monitoring includes cases related to Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI), pneumonia, and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI).
"Following the Ministry of Health’s directive, we have heightened our vigilance at the puskesmas and hospital levels to anticipate potential HMPV cases," Emma confirmed. She assured that Banjarmasin’s healthcare facilities are equipped to handle HMPV cases, drawing on their experience with Covid-19. "HMPV symptoms mirror those of the common flu, and our facilities have sufficient experience in managing such cases."
While Banjarmasin doesn’t have a dedicated lab for HMPV detection, Dinkes has partnered with the Banjarbaru Public Health Laboratory (BBLabkesmas) for testing suspected samples. They are also actively engaging in health education through puskesmas health promotion teams and health working groups. Information on symptoms, prevention, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle is being directly shared with the public.
"Our goal is to increase public awareness to protect themselves and their families from HMPV infection," Emma stated. She urged the public not to panic, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and follow prevention measures, such as adequate rest, regular handwashing, mask-wearing when unwell, and immediate healthcare consultation if suspicious symptoms appear.
Gejala HMPV mirip dengan flu biasa, seperti batuk, demam, pilek, dan sesak napas. Oleh karena itu, Emma mengingatkan masyarakat untuk tetap menerapkan kebiasaan 3M: memakai masker, mencuci tangan, dan menjaga jarak. “Dengan disiplin, kita bisa menghadapi potensi penyebaran virus ini dengan baik,” imbuhnya.
Pengawasan terhadap pendatang dari daerah terjangkit juga menjadi perhatian serius. Balai Karantina Kesehatan (BKK) di pintu masuk seperti bandara telah menjalankan pengawasan ketat. “Jika ditemukan kasus mencurigakan, BKK akan menginformasikan Dinkes Banjarmasin untuk tindak lanjut,” tandasnya.
