Palangka Raya, Ekuatorial – Thick smog resulted from extensive forest fires has increased numbers of patients with acute respiratory infections in Central Kalimantan, said a senior official recently.
Endang Sri Lestari Pujiastuti, Head of Health Control Agency of Central Kalimantan, said that there were already 56 patients with acute respiratory infections in Palangka Raya from January to July. Meanwhile, there were 82 patients with the same infections recorded in West Kotawaringin.
“We already sent letter to the city mayor [related to the infections] to raise awareness and prepare logistic, such as diarrhea and respiratory medicines,” Pujiastuti said.
Furthermore, she said that her office has been collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data of the disease from each sub districts every week. She warned that the diseases might infect all people, mostly on those with low immune body system to bad environment.
“In order to protect your health from infections-related-by-smog, then avoid going out or reduce outdoor activities, especially if you have cardiac disease and breathing problems. If you must, then use masks,” she said adding that drinking lots of water will help to prevent infections. “For those with heart and lung problems, they could consult doctors about their condition and ask for further medications.”
Based on recent data from NOAA satellite, Ministry of Forestry reported 972 hotspots in Central Kalimantan by September. Meanwhile, only fires from 60.5 out of 244.5 hectares burned down managed to be controlled. Maturidi [:]