Preventing Dengue Fever: 4 Tips to Protect Your Children

April 30, 2025 | 09:08 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Dengue Fever (DF) remains a serious threat to public health, especially for children. The Head of the Infection and Tropical Disease Division KSM/Department of Pediatric Health Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital - Padjajaran University Faculty of Medicine Bandung, Pediatric Specialist Dr. Anggraini Alam, said, "Children are at the highest risk of severe DF and death. The mortality rate for children aged 5-14 years reaches 40 percent," she said in a press release received by Tempo on April 28, 2025.

It is important for parents to take early prevention steps to protect children from Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquito bites, carriers of the dengue virus.

Here are some effective steps that mothers can take to protect their little ones from the dangers of DF:

1. Implementing the 3M

Parents can prevent DF by implementing the 3M once a week. This activity is effective in preventing the breeding of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The 3M steps can be taken by Draining (baths, buckets, ponds, water containers), Closing (potential water puddles), and Recycling (bottles and plastic waste).

For the indoor environment, it is also important to maintain cleanliness in the house by not piling up garbage and regularly cleaning the garbage area. Avoid leaving used clothes hanging for too long; instead, place them in a covered container or wash them immediately.

For the outdoor environment, effective actions that can be taken include planting mosquito-repellent plants such as lavender, raising mosquito larvae-eating fish, and sprinkling larvicide powder in potential water storage areas.

2. Protecting Children from Mosquito Bites

Protecting children from Aedes aegypti mosquito bites is crucial in preventing DF in children. According to Parasitology Expert at the University of Indonesia Faculty of Medicine, Saleha Sungkar, children should use mosquito nets when napping. "In addition, using baby oil is also effective in warming the body and proven to repel mosquitoes," she said.

Winny Yunitawati, Deputy Managing Director of Consumer Cosmetic & Health Care at Tempo Scan Group, revealed that to help mothers protect their children, her team has released products that can be used as additional protection from mosquito bites. "We have introduced My Baby Minyak Telon Plus, which has been tested for efficacy in protecting from dengue mosquitoes and other insects, and has been certified halal," she said.

3. Boosting Children's Immunity

An underdeveloped immune system can also be a major factor in children being susceptible to DF. Boosting children's immunity can help prevent and reduce the risk of contracting Dengue Fever (DF). This can be achieved by consuming nutritious foods, exercising, getting enough rest or sleep, and vaccination.

4. Dressing Children in Covered Clothing

Dressing children in long clothing is an effective way to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of contracting DF. Long-sleeved shirts and pants can cover the skin that is vulnerable to mosquito bites, especially when outdoors or in mosquito-prone areas.

Editor's Choice: Rising Dengue Fever Cases in Jakarta Due to High Air Humidity

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