Public Do Not Have to Panic Over China Pneumonia Outbreak
- The HealthSite.
China – The Indonesian Health Ministry has asked the public do not have to panic over the Pneumonia outbreak that recently hit China.
"The community should stay calm, do not panic," the ministry's director of communicable disease prevention and control, Imran Pambudi, said in a written statement on Thursday, as reported from Antara site.
The pneumonia in China is similar to common pneumonia; the one caused by bacterial infection, Pambudi remarked.
Pemeriksaan virus corona atau pneumonia Wuhan di Korea Selatan.
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Based on epidemiological reports, most of the pneumonia cases are caused by the Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria.
"These bacteria were a common cause of respiratory infections before COVID-19. They are known to have a long incubation period, therefore, they do not spread as quickly as the virus that causes COVID-19, so the fatality rate is low," Pambudi explained.
Nevertheless, the Ministry of Health has made several mitigation efforts to anticipate Mycoplasma spread in Indonesia, one of which has been the issuance of Circular Number PM.03.01/C/4732/2023 on alertness against Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Indonesia.
"We appeal to health offices, hospitals, and entry gates to the country to immediately report if there are indications of cases that lean toward pneumonia," He informed.
According to Pambudi, mitigation efforts against the disease cannot be taken by the government alone, but must also involve a commitment from the community so that the control of pneumonia can be made more optimal.
To this end, the ministry is encouraging the community to take several steps.
Ilustrasi virus
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Pambudi said that the first step is getting vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19, and other pathogens related to respiratory diseases.
Second, the community is advised to avoid contact with people who are sick or maintain a safe distance.
Third, people are encouraged to ensure good ventilation.
Fourth, the public is encouraged to follow a clean and healthy lifestyle, and fifth, people who are sick are advised to stay at home and wear masks.
"Immediately visit the nearest health facility if there are symptoms, cough, or breathing difficulty, followed by fever," Pambudi suggested.
