Influenza Cases Surge in Surabaya, Pediatric Wards at Hospitals Full
Influenza cases in Surabaya, East Java, have reportedly surged over the past week. This increase in cases has resulted in emergency departments (IGD) and paediatric wards in several hospitals being reported as full.
The President Director of RS Husada Utama Surabaya, Dr Didi Dewanto, confirmed this health anomaly. He stated that hospital management has had to add extra treatment rooms due to the influx of patients, the majority of whom are children.
“[Regarding influenza cases] for children, the cases have indeed increased. It has reached capacity; my paediatric ward is full. The emergency department is also full,” Didi told reporters on Wednesday (16/9).
Didi believes this surge in patients is not limited to his facility but is being experienced by other healthcare facilities across the ‘City of Heroes’ (Surabaya).
“It seems almost all hospitals are affected; please check the others. We have one floor with 44 [patients], so we have had to transfer patients to other floors. The majority of patients are children, but adults are also affected; it is collapsing here and there,” he said.
Although patient complaints strongly suggest influenza, Didi could not yet confirm the specific virus variant triggering this surge. He urged the public to tighten health protocols once again.
“I do not know the variant yet; we must wait for laboratory results. My advice is to maintain cleanliness, live healthily, and wear masks. For prevention, adopt a healthy lifestyle and, if possible, get the influenza vaccination,” he said.
A different situation is observed at RS Kemenkes Surabaya. The President Director of RS Kemenkes Surabaya, Dr Martha Siahaan, stated that there has been no significant surge in patients at this Class A hospital.
“Perhaps because RS Kemenkes Surabaya is a Class A hospital, more patients are directed to lower-class hospitals or community health centres (Puskesmas),” Martha explained.
However, she reminded the public not to become complacent. She noted that clean living habits, such as handwashing, must always be applied consistently.
“Do not only practice clean and healthy living patterns during the Covid-119 pandemic,” she added.
Responding to the situation on the ground, the Head of the Surabaya City Health Office, Dr Billy Daniel Messakh, acknowledged a rising trend in fever cases. He assessed that this was triggered by changing weather and increased public activity.
“There has indeed been a slight increase in fever cases recently. This condition is still considered normal and can occur alongside changes in weather and increased community activity,” said Billy.
Billy claimed that the majority of current patients only require outpatient care. He noted that there has not yet been a surge in patients with severe conditions requiring intensive care.
“Those currently hospitalised are patients whose conditions require further handling, such as those experiencing severe respiratory distress. Meanwhile, patients with fever or influenza in general can be managed through outpatient care,” Billy explained.
The Surabaya Health Office ensured they are continuously monitoring bed availability and medical personnel. Billy urged residents not to panic, to verify circulating information, and to prioritise initial check-ups at local Puskesmas.
“The point is, our healthcare facilities are ready. If there are complaints, please visit the nearest Puskesmas first. Let us work together to maintain our health and not easily believe information from unclear sources,” he concluded.