Bandarlampung Health Office monitors public health situation

Bandarlampung (ANTARA) - The Bandarlampung City Health Office has deployed 31 community health centres (puskesmas) to monitor public health following volcanic ashfall from Mount Anak Krakatau.

“All staff at the 31 community health centres are to tighten monitoring of the public health situation following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, which has the potential to spread particulate matter or volcanic ash,” said the Head of the Bandarlampung City Health Office, Muhtadi Arsyad Tumenggung, in Bandarlampung on Tuesday.

He said the anticipatory measures are focused on early identification of potential clinical health problems directly linked to exposure to volcanic ash in the air.

“We are directing all puskesmas in Bandarlampung City to remain alert and monitor the distribution and pattern of public health complaints following the eruption,” he said.

In particular, he continued, cases related to potential inhalation exposure to the respiratory tract, as well as eye and skin contact.

“As a follow-up, the Bandarlampung City Health Office has instructed its staff to carry out multi-layered validation of case figures,” he said.

The Health Office is also ensuring there is no data duplication or input errors, requesting daily reports from all puskesmas, and prioritising close monitoring in areas with the highest surges in cases.

“We urge the public, especially those active outdoors, to always wear personal protective equipment such as masks to minimise the risk of health problems caused by exposure to free particulate matter in the air,” he said.