TULUNGAGUNG – Dengue fever cases in Tulungagung showed a downward trend during the first four months of 2026, although health authorities continue to warn residents to stay alert during the seasonal weather transition.
The Tulungagung Health Agency recorded a sharp rise in dengue infections at the beginning of the year. Heavy rainfall and unstable weather conditions contributed to the spread of mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus across several densely populated areas.
Data from the agency showed that January recorded the highest number of dengue infection virus (IVD) cases. Officials documented 60 cases during the month, including 10 dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) cases, five dengue shock syndrome (DSS) cases, and 45 dengue dengue (DD) cases.
The high figure triggered concern among health authorities because DSS remains one of the most dangerous complications linked to dengue infection.
Tulungagung Health Agency head Desi Lusiana Wardhani said the situation improved in February. The total number of cases dropped to 31, consisting of eight DHF cases and 23 DD cases.
Health officials also confirmed that they found no DSS cases during the month. “February showed a significant decline. DSS cases also dropped to zero, so conditions became more manageable compared with January,” Desi said.
However, dengue cases rose again in March as weather conditions became increasingly unstable. Authorities recorded 45 cases, including nine DHF cases and 36 DD cases. Despite the increase, officials still reported no DSS cases during March.
Desi explained that fluctuating rainfall and humid temperatures created ideal conditions for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to breed in residential areas.
“Changing weather patterns remain one of the main factors behind the increase in mosquito populations. That is why people must stay vigilant,” she said.
The downward trend returned in April. Tulungagung recorded 28 dengue-related cases, consisting of four DHF cases and 24 DD cases.
Health officials linked the decline to prevention programs carried out by local health centers, village administrations, and community health volunteers.
Over the past several months, the health agency has intensified public education campaigns on mosquito nest eradication. Officials also continued to promote the “3M Plus” movement, which encourages residents to drain water containers, tightly cover water storage areas, and recycle unused items that could collect rainwater.
Desi stressed that mosquito nest eradication remains the most effective way to reduce dengue transmission in residential neighborhoods.
Authorities also strengthened regular larvae inspections through village-based mosquito monitoring volunteers known as jumantik cadres. The program aims to detect mosquito breeding sites before infections spread more widely.
The health agency urged residents to seek medical treatment immediately if they experience sudden high fever, muscle pain, nausea, or red skin rashes.
Desi warned that delayed treatment could increase the risk of severe complications, including DSS, which can become life-threatening.
“Public awareness plays a very important role. People should not wait until symptoms become severe because dengue can develop rapidly,” she said.
Although the overall trend continues to decline, Tulungagung health authorities have maintained their alert status. Officials expect weather transitions and standing water in residential areas to increase mosquito activity in the coming months.
“We urge residents to keep their environment clean and carry out mosquito eradication efforts regularly so cases do not rise again,” Desi added.