IDAI Urges Mapping of Influenza Spread Patterns

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) is urging for a trace of which areas are experiencing surges in cases, as well as the mapping of influenza virus spread patterns.

“We feel it is necessary to learn more about the surges in influenza cases, especially Influenza A, which is certainly dangerous for certain high-risk groups,” said the General Secretary of IDAI, Dr. Hikari Ambara Sjakti, during an online discussion in Jakarta on Friday.

Responding to reports of rising influenza cases across various regions in Indonesia, Hikari noted that her monitoring confirms a surge in cases within paediatric wards in hospitals across major cities. However, she did not specify the exact locations or the total number of cases.

According to her, such mapping would greatly assist medical personnel in providing appropriate care based on the symptoms and severity of the patients.

Prof. Dr. Anggraini Alam, a member of the IDAI Coordination Working Unit for Tropical Disease Infections, added that according to data from the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WHO WQPRO) as of 10 September 2024, several Southeast Asian countries have experienced an increase in influenza cases.

Anggraini noted that cases in Singapore have fluctuated between 24 and 37 per cent over recent weeks, accompanied by high numbers of positive COVID-19 cases.

“We know that people working in urban areas require business travel to Singapore, which serves as a cause for the overall surge,” said Anggrainini.

Meanwhile, in Vietnam, cases surged from 7 per cent to 20 per cent.

Furthermore, she stated that, according to the Ministry of Health, there has not yet been an alarming surge within Indonesia’s territory.

Nevertheless, she urged all parties to maintain heightened vigilance, especially for children, as Indonesia possesses airports that serve as entry points and gathering hubs for people from all over the world, increasing the risk of wider virus transmission.

Approximately 5 per cent of children require hospitalisation. Furthermore, 80 per cent of cases were found in children under the age of two, with 50 per cent of those being under six months of age.

Anggrainini noted that children under the age of five face a higher mortality rate.