Browsing: Infectious Disease

In July and August 2024, the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes RI) issued a stark warning about the anticipated surge in dengue fever (DF) cases across the archipelago. This increase is primarily attributed to the prevailing hot weather conditions that have engulfed Indonesia, particularly impacting regions such as Bali and West Java.

Baguio City is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal and unregulated deep wells through a multi-stakeholder approach. The initiative emphasises the critical health implications of groundwater management and aims to ensure safe water for residents and address the city’s water scarcity and contamination issues.

Rats can carry and spread infectious diseases. When they roam about, their feces, urine, or saliva contaminate water, food, and even dust. If humans have direct contact with this contaminated water, food, or dust, dangerous diseases such as hantavirus or salmonellosis may be spread to them. These diseases may also be spread through rat bites. Occasionally, some rats can be aggressive. They may attack and bite humans, spreading various dangerous diseases.

Health officials are cautioning the public against kissing pets, even those that are vaccinated. Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo emphasised that animal saliva poses a significant risk for rabies transmission, comparable to bites and scratches. He highlighted the importance of seeking medical advice for potential post-exposure prophylaxis, as rabies symptoms can take up to a year to manifest. This advisory is part of a broader effort to mitigate the risk of rabies transmission through close contact with pets, which is often overlooked.

Malaysia has been grappling with an outbreak of leptospirosis. This bacterial infection, although not new to the region, has resurfaced with alarming vigour, raising concerns among health authorities and the general public alike.