Lessons learned from the Dengue outbreak in Gresik Regency, Indonesia during 2019

Abstract

A dengue outbreak occurred in Gresik Regency, Indonesia in 2019, the increasing number of cases and also the distribution of cases were used to categorise Gresik Regency as a region that was experiencing an outbreak. This study aims to investigate and identify what lessons can be learned from the outbreak to prevent the next outbreak. An analytical observational study was conducted from January to March 2020. Secondary data, including the number of cases, distribution of cases, larval fee index, and fogging historical activities, were collected from the Health Officer of Gresik Regency. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in dengue patients’ age (p=0.000; p ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, the incidence rate between 2018 and 2019 shows no significant difference (p=0.406; p≤0.05), the distribution of female and male patients (p=0.239; p≤0.05), and the larval indices between 2018 and 2019 (p=0.296; p≤0.05). The fogging activity was conducted based on the occurrence of dengue cases, so the correlation with the number of dengue cases cannot be analysed. Analysis of the incidence rate between 2018 and 2019 shows an increase in the red zone from one district in 2018 to four districts in 2019. Lessons learned from the dengue outbreak in the Gresik regency were the importance of active surveillance, vector controlling in the red zone, regular evaluation of vector resistance status against insecticide, and collaboration between health officers and research institutions.