PROGRES.ID – The Ministry of Health (MoH), through the Directorate General of Disease Prevention and Control (DG-DPC), has issued Circular Number HK.02.02/C/4022/2023 regarding Preparedness for the Nipah Virus Disease. This circular, signed by DG-DPC Maxi Rein Rondonuwu on September 25, is addressed to heads of health offices (dinkes), heads of port health offices (KKP), heads of community health laboratories, hospital directors, community health center heads, and the Indonesian Clinical Association.
DG-DPC explains that the issuance of this circular aims to raise awareness among all stakeholders regarding the early detection of Nipah virus disease cases.
“To date, the presence of the Nipah virus in humans in Indonesia is not well-known. However, considering Indonesia’s geographical proximity to countries reporting outbreaks, the possibility of transmission risk is imminent,” Maxi said.
In this circular, Maxi requests KKP, provincial/district/city health offices (dinkes), and healthcare facilities (fasyankes) to monitor cases and global developments through the official channels of the MoH and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Furthermore, enhanced surveillance is needed for individuals (including crew members, personnel, and passengers), transportation equipment, luggage, the environment, vectors, and disease-carrying animals at ports, airports, and international border crossings (PLBN), particularly from affected countries.
The next step is to heighten early awareness by monitoring cases of acute fever syndrome accompanied by acute respiratory symptoms, seizures, or reduced consciousness, along with a history of travel from affected areas. Subsequent detection and responses can refer to the Nipah Disease Prevention and Control Guidelines.
Fasyankes are also required to monitor and report cases found in accordance with guidelines through Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) reports to DG-DPC via the SKDR application and the Public Health Emergency Operation Center (PHEOC) at the phone/WhatsApp number 0877-7759-1097.
Maxi also urges dinkes to send suspected case specimens to the Large Health Biology Laboratory, formerly known as the Laboratory of Prof. Dr. Srie Oemijati, for examination.
For suspected/probable/confirmed cases discovered by fasyankes, Maxi emphasizes that investigations must be conducted within 24 hours, including close contact tracing.
Source: setkab.go.id
