TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The El Nino phenomenon, projected to last until the end of 2026, threatens to accelerate the spread of dengue fever (DF). Medical experts warn that the disease spares no age group, putting everyone from young children to adults with comorbidities at a heightened risk of severe complications.
A recent study by Gadjah Mada University (UGM) estimates that over two million patients will require treatment for DF across Indonesia throughout 2024. This figure is poised to climb due to El Nino, which drives up ambient temperatures and effectively expands the habitat of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Data from the Ministry of Health further reveals that 41 percent of DF-related fatalities over the past seven years occurred among children aged 5 to 14.
Hartono Gunardi, Chair of the Indonesian Pediatric Society's (IDAI) Child Immunization Task Force, advises parents to let their children play outdoors while ensuring they are protected against mosquito bites. "Dengue-carrying mosquitoes are most active in the morning and afternoon. When children are outdoors, dress them in long-sleeved, brightly colored clothing, as mosquitoes are drawn to dark colors. Insect repellent can also help, but it should be used sparingly," Hartono said during the ABCD Land event in Jakarta on Friday, June 19, 2026.
According to Hartono, DF has evolved beyond a seasonal threat, meaning vigilance must be maintained year-round. He urges parents to adopt the 3M eradication approach, recognize early DF symptoms, and consult physicians regarding the dengue vaccination recommended by IDAI as part of childhood immunization. "Protecting children cannot rely on a single measure. A comprehensive strategy, including vaccination, can reduce the risk of hospitalization and severe DF complications," he noted.
The threat of DF looms just as heavily over adults. Sukamto Koesnoe, Chair of the Adult Immunization Task Force of the Indonesian Society of Internal Medicine Physicians (PAPDI), pointed out that while patients with comorbidities face the highest risk of complications, even individuals without underlying illnesses can succumb to severe DF.
"Having comorbidities certainly increases the risk. However, that does not mean those who feel healthy and have no comorbidities are safe from risk of severe DF," Sukamto said.
He noted that many patients only discover they have hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, or chronic lung ailments after being hospitalized. Consequently, a DF infection often exacerbates these previously undiagnosed conditions.
PAPDI data shows that hypertensive patients face a two- to three-fold higher risk of DF complications compared to those without comorbidities. This risk jumps to three to five times for patients with diabetes mellitus, up to seven times for those with kidney disease, and anywhere from two to twelve times for individuals with asthma or chronic lung disease.
Sukamto emphasized that DF prevention extends far beyond simply eradicating mosquito breeding grounds. Early symptom detection and vaccination, aligned with healthcare professionals' recommendations, are equally vital for protection, particularly for high-risk demographics.
Andreas Gutknecht, President Director of Takeda Innovative Medicines, noted that Dengue Fever remains a serious, life-threatening disease across Indonesia, with its public health burden continuing to expand. His team continues to back dengue prevention initiatives through broad community education. "Through sustained collaboration, we can help more Indonesian families take the right protective measures before it is too late," Andreas said.
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