Central Papua Health Office Investigates Suspected Measles Cases in Dogiyai to Prevent Outbreak
Every piece of information received is followed up with an investigation based on facts and accurate data, not mere assumptions, in order to prevent an outbreak.
Nabire (ANTARA) — The Central Papua Provincial Health Office (Dinkes) has deployed an investigation team to Modio Village, Mapia Tengah District, Dogiyai Regency, to trace reports of suspected measles cases and prevent the potential for an extraordinary outbreak (KLB).
Yohanes Kayame, Head of the Surveillance and Immunisation Section at the Central Papua Health Office, said in Nabire on Saturday that the team was dispatched to carry out epidemiological investigation and technical assistance together with the Dogiyai Regency Health Office and local community health centre (puskesmas) staff.
“The formation of this team reflects our commitment to strengthening the early warning system. Every piece of information received is followed up with an investigation based on facts and accurate data, not mere assumptions, in order to prevent an outbreak,” he said.
He explained that the team is conducting case verification and validation, tracing the history of illness, searching for additional cases, examining immunisation status, and taking samples in accordance with Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) guidelines.
According to Yohanes, the activity is also being used to strengthen the capacity of health workers at the regency and puskesmas levels so they can respond to infectious diseases quickly, accurately and independently.
“This activity also serves as a means of training and capacity building for health workers at the regency and puskesmas levels, so that responses to infectious diseases can be carried out more quickly, accurately and independently in the future,” said Yohanes Kayame.
During the investigation, the team encountered an obstacle in the form of refusal by some families regarding the examination of the case of a child who had died. However, through a persuasive approach and the support of community figures and the village government, the investigation could proceed according to procedure.
Residents are asked to immediately take family members experiencing fever accompanied by a red rash to the nearest health facility so they can receive treatment as early as possible.
He also reminded people of the importance of completing children’s basic immunisation as the most effective step to prevent the spread of measles.
“Complete our children’s immunisation schedules, because that is the most effective protection. With the cooperation of all elements, we will ensure treatment runs optimally and the disease does not spread further,” he said.