Dengue cases surge, Riau Health Department issues circular to heighten vigilance

The Riau Provincial Health Department has issued a circular to district and city health offices to heighten vigilance and control measures for Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DBD). Health Department Head Zulkifli stated that in 2025, there were 4,618 confirmed DBD cases with 35 fatalities in the province, while data from the Early Warning and Response System (SKDR) for 2026 up to week 17 recorded 2,321 suspected dengue cases. ‘Program data shows DBD cases up to April total 1,682 across 12 districts/cities, with 12 deaths,’ Zulkifli said in Pekanbaru on Monday. Measures include strict monitoring to ensure availability of Dengue Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) at healthcare facilities, particularly in endemic areas, along with checks for haematocrit, haemoglobin, leukocytes, and platelets. If severe joint pain or rash is present, Chikungunya RDT should also be conducted. Health officials must identify DBD danger signs, typically occurring between the third and seventh day of fever when body temperature drops below 38 degrees Celsius.