inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Chairman of the Honorary Council of the Indonesian Lung Doctors Association (PDPI) Tjandra Yoga Aditama reminded that daily information about disease viruses including Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) needs to be continuously updated to increase public awareness.

"This open information will certainly increase the role of the community in maintaining their health, including to anticipate various types of respiratory tract infections," said the Chairman of the PDPI Honorary Council on Thursday (9/1/25).

Yoga suggested that information on disease virus data be presented not only nationally but also at the provincial level.

Referring to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Yoga reminded the government to continue to maintain systematic and continuous observation and data collection activities to obtain information related to health problems or diseases (surveillance) on HMPV.

HMPV is one of the many microorganisms or causative agents of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI), both in the upper and lower respiratory tracts, which are found almost throughout the year.
  
Data from the DKI Jakarta Health Office shows that the number of ARI patients due to HMPV is 19 cases (2022), 78 cases (until October 2023) and 100 cases (2024).

The general symptoms of ISPA sufferers due to various viruses or other microorganisms are also the same, including cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath.

Although the majority of ARI patients due to HMPV do not experience serious illness, in vulnerable groups, namely children, the elderly and people with immune system disorders, this infection can become more severe and require further treatment.

The DKI Provincial Government also asked the public to remain calm while implementing preventive measures such as implementing a healthy lifestyle to prevent illness, avoiding transmission through proper cough etiquette, washing hands diligently and wearing masks when sick.

(ad/ndt/pr/nm)