jump in cases of Influenza A nationwide over the past few weeks has prompted calls for the government to bolster health protocols and boost awareness to ensure the safety of vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly.
In recent weeks, the Health Ministry has seen a growing trend of influenza-like illness according to cases recorded by health facilities across the country. The uptick followed the ministry’s latest report earlier this month, which noted a 38 percent increase in influenza cases nationwide as of Oct. 9.
Health Ministry spokesperson Aji Muhawarman said the most dominant influenza virus in these cases was Influenza A, one of the primary types of flu that affect humans.
Symptoms of influenza A include fever, dry cough and headache, according to the World Health Organization. While most people recover within a week without medical care, Influenza A can also lead to respiratory illnesses or death in high-risk groups, such as the elderly, the WHO said.
Aji of the Health Ministry noted that the current rise in Influenza A cases was happening due to Indonesia’s seasonal transition toward the rainy season, noting a similar trend has also been observed in neighboring countries like Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
“During the rainy season, lower temperatures and high humidity make it easier for viruses to survive, replicate and spread,” Aji said on Thursday, as quoted by Tempo.
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Two other Health Ministry spokespersons did not immediately respond to The Jakarta Post’s request for the latest data.