Parents urged to prioritise Dengue prevention as children return to school
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Parents are being urged to make protection against Dengue Fever (DBD) a key part of their preparations for children entering the new school year, given that the disease remains a persistent threat to children and can occur year-round.
Dr Ikhsanuddin Qothi, a physician and health content creator, stated in Jakarta on Saturday that the risk of Dengue transmission is not limited to the rainy season; therefore, prevention efforts must be carried out consistently both at home and within school environments.
“Dengue is not a seasonal disease. The risk of transmission exists throughout the year, so vigilance must be maintained at all times. During the dry season, places that can collect water still have the potential to become mosquito breeding sites if they are not covered, drained, or cleaned regularly,” he said.
Based on Ministry of Health data for the 2018-2025 period, the 5-14 age group has consistently recorded the highest proportion of deaths due to dengue compared to other age groups. Meanwhile, the 15-44 age group accounts for the highest number of dengue cases, reaching 42 per cent of all cases in 2025.
Dr Ikhsan explained that the dengue virus has four serotypes—DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4—meaning an individual who has been infected with one serotype can still be infected again by another. He noted that subsequent infections have the potential to increase the risk of severe dengue, so the public must continue to practice prevention even if they have previously had the disease.
He also warned parents not to become complacent when a child’s fever begins to subside, as danger signs in some patients actually emerge after that phase. “If a child experiences continuous vomiting, severe abdominal pain, nosebleeds or bleeding gums, appears very weak, restless, or experiences a decrease in consciousness, take them to a health facility immediately,” he said.
In addition to health impacts, Dengue can disrupt a child’s learning process and increase the economic burden on families. It was noted that a single episode of hospitalisation due to dengue results in an average cost of approximately Rp6 million.
He added that the dengue vaccine has been included in the immunization recommendations of the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) for children, as well as the adult immunization recommendations of the Indonesian Society of Internal Medicine (PAPDI). “Parents can consult with doctors to determine whether their children and other family members meet the criteria for dengue vaccination,” he said.
Andreas Gutknecht, President Director of PT Takeda Innovative Medicines, stated that protection against Dengue requires collaboration between families, schools, the government, healthcare workers, and various stakeholders to support the national target of zero dengue deaths by 2030.