Influenza Cases Surge in Surabaya, Pediatric Wards Full

Influenza cases in Surabaya, East Java, have reportedly surged in the past week. This increase has led to emergency departments (IGDs) and pediatric wards in several hospitals being reported as full. Dr. Didi Dewanto, the Director of RS Husada Utama Surabaya, confirmed this health anomaly. He stated that the hospital management had to add more beds due to the influx of patients, the majority of whom are children. "The cases of influenza in children are indeed increasing. Our pediatric ward is full, and the IGD is also full," Dewanto told reporters on Wednesday (16/9). Dewanto believes this patient surge is not limited to his hospital but is also experienced by other health facilities in the "City of Heroes." "It seems like almost all hospitals are experiencing this. My ward, with 44 beds on one floor, has had to transfer patients to other floors. The majority are children, but adults are also affected; one place is overwhelmed, and so is another," he revealed. Although patient complaints strongly point towards influenza, Dewanto could not confirm the specific variant of the virus causing the surge, stating that lab results are needed. He urged the public to re-tighten health protocols. "I don't know the variant; we have to wait for lab results. The appeal is to maintain cleanliness, live healthily, and wear masks. Prevention is through healthy living, and if possible, influenza vaccination," he said. In contrast, RS Kemenkes Surabaya reported a different scenario. Dr. Martha Siahaan, the Director of RS Kemenkes Surabaya, stated that there was no significant surge in patients at this Class A hospital. "Perhaps because RS Kemenkes Surabaya is a Class A hospital, more patients are being treated in lower-class hospitals or community health centers (puskesmas)," Siahaan explained. However, she still reminded the public not to be complacent, emphasizing the importance of consistently practicing clean living habits like handwashing. "Don't just practice clean and healthy living during the COVID-19 pandemic," she urged. Responding to the situation, Head of the Surabaya City Health Office, Dr. Billy Daniel Messakh, acknowledged a trend of increasing fever cases. He attributed this to weather changes and increased community activity. "Indeed, there has been a slight increase in fever cases recently. This condition is still considered normal and can occur with weather changes and increased community activity," said Billy. Billy claimed that most patients currently only require outpatient treatment. He stated that there has been no surge in patients with severe conditions requiring intensive care. "Currently, hospitalized patients are those whose conditions truly require further management, such as severe respiratory problems. Meanwhile, patients with general fever or influenza can generally be managed through outpatient care," Billy explained. The Surabaya City Health Office assured that it continues to monitor the availability of beds and medical personnel. Billy advised residents not to panic, to filter information, and to prioritize initial checks at the nearest community health center. "In essence, our health facilities are ready. If you have complaints, please check at the nearest puskesmas first. Let's protect our health together and not easily believe information whose source is unclear," he concluded.