BLITAR – Blitar Health Office has intensified disease monitoring and increased medicine supplies as extreme weather raises health risks during the dry season.

Health officials in Blitar Regency expect a rise in Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), diarrhea, and measles cases this year. They believe hot temperatures, dust exposure, and declining water quality could worsen public health conditions.

To improve preparedness, the agency has optimized the Early Warning and Response System, locally known as SKDR. The system collects weekly reports from community health centers and healthcare facilities.

Head of Disease Prevention and Control at the Blitar Health Office, Anggit Ditya Putranto, said the agency has prepared emergency medical supplies.

“We have prepared medicine stocks at community health centers and health facilities to anticipate rising disease cases during the dry season,” Anggit said.

The health office has focused monitoring efforts on areas facing clean water shortages and worsening environmental conditions. Officials fear the El Niño climate phenomenon could trigger more respiratory and digestive illnesses.

“We continue monitoring weekly SKDR reports to identify increases in ARI, diarrhea, and measles cases in vulnerable areas,” he explained.

According to Anggit, preparedness efforts involve more than disease surveillance. The agency has also ensured medicine supplies remain available across healthcare facilities in Blitar Regency.

Officials expect prolonged heat and poor drinking water quality to increase health complaints during the dry season. Dust exposure could also worsen respiratory conditions among residents.

The health office has instructed all community health centers, known locally as Puskesmas, to map high-risk areas using surveillance data.

Authorities want medical workers to respond quickly before isolated infections develop into larger outbreaks.

“Community health centers must remain ready to serve residents, especially those living in areas affected by clean water shortages,” Anggit added.

The Blitar Health Office also urged residents to seek medical treatment immediately if they experience respiratory problems, diarrhea, or other symptoms linked to extreme weather.

Health officials warned that delaying treatment could increase the risk of complications, especially for children and older adults.

Authorities encouraged residents to use nearby healthcare services so doctors can provide treatment earlier and reduce the spread of disease.

The move reflects growing concern about the health impact of climate-related weather changes across Indonesia.