ISPA Cases Surge, Pontianak Health Office Prepares Oxygen Rooms

The Pontianak Health Office in West Kalimantan has prepared oxygen rooms at every health facility as a measure to handle acute respiratory infections (ISPA). ISPA patients have reached 300 cases per day due to haze from forest and land fires affecting the region.

“ISPA cases currently stand at 300 per day. This condition is related to the weather and high exposure to haze,” said Head of the Pontianak Health Office Saptiko in Pontianak on Saturday (29/8).

He explained that the oxygen rooms across all health facilities and the health office can be used by residents experiencing respiratory problems or shortness of breath. “Residents experiencing shortness of breath can come to receive oxygen free of charge at all community health centres, hospitals, and the Health Office,” he said.

In addition to preventive measures, the Pontianak Health Office has also prepared logistics for handling ISPA and anticipating a possible increase in diarrhoea cases as water availability declines. “We are now also preparing logistics for handling ISPA and diarrhoea because water conditions are starting to diminish,” said Saptiko.

He confirmed that no severe ISPA cases have been found so far as a result of the increase. “Residents are also reminded to immediately visit health facilities if they experience respiratory complaints, especially shortness of breath,” Saptiko explained.

Regarding ISPA, current cases have increased by about 10 per cent compared to normal conditions, which range from 100 to 200 cases per day. He said that based on records since January 2026, total ISPA cases in Pontianak have reached around 36,000 cases. However, Saptiko stressed that not all of these cases are related to haze because increased haze exposure only began in August 2026.

“The total cases since January are around 36,000 cases. However, it should be noted that haze began increasing in August,” he said.

According to Saptiko, before August, ISPA cases were more influenced by general respiratory infections. Meanwhile, the increase related to haze exposure began to appear when air quality conditions deteriorated in August 2026.

To anticipate the increase in cases, the Pontianak Health Office continues to conduct public awareness campaigns urging residents to reduce outdoor activities and wear masks to reduce exposure to polluted air. “If they must leave the house, residents are required to wear masks. It does not have to be a special mask; cloth masks can also be used,” said Saptiko.