Jakarta Sees Spike in Flu Cases as Health Expert Urges Vigilance

October 16, 2025 | 01:05 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Hospitals and clinics across Jakarta and surrounding regions have reported a recent uptick in patients showing flu-like symptoms.

Similar surges have also been recorded abroad, including in Malaysia, where thousands of cases have forced several schools to temporarily close.

Public health expert Tjandra Yoga Aditama said the trend calls for data-based precautionary measures. “Reports from within the country and neighboring nations should heighten our vigilance and encourage immediate, evidence-driven action,” he said in a statement received by Tempo on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

According to Tjandra, the first step should be to analyze surveillance data from the Health Ministry and regional health offices. Such data can reveal when the increase began, where it first emerged, and whether hospital visits or ICU admissions have also risen.

“The analysis should focus on ILI (influenza-like illness) and SARI (severe acute respiratory infection) surveillance,” he explained, adding that the findings are essential for formulating targeted control policies and should be made publicly accessible.

The next step, he said, is to examine virological, microbiological, and genomic data to identify the dominant virus or bacterial strain behind the surge.

This can help determine whether the infections stem from influenza A, influenza B, or a new variant requiring closer attention.

For the general public, Tjandra urged continued vigilance toward flu symptoms. He outlined three key recommendations: wear a mask and get enough rest to prevent spreading the virus to others; seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen; and report to local health authorities if many people in the same area show similar signs of illness.

He also reminded that flu vaccinations remain crucial, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and people with chronic health conditions.

Tjandra, who also serves as Chair of the Honorary Board of the Indonesian Pulmonologist Association (PDPI), emphasized that rising flu cases are not unusual. However, he noted, the situation must be closely monitored to prevent it from escalating into a widespread respiratory outbreak.

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