The Head of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Immunization Section of the DKI Jakarta Health Service, Ngabila Salama (5/12/2023), directly confirmed several cases of mysterious Mycoplasma Pneumonia affecting children in Jakarta.
According to the DKI health service data, three children have contracted the infection, all experiencing mild symptoms. These three, all girls aged between 3 and 10 years old, are currently in stable condition and self-isolating at home.
In the last two months, a mysterious pneumonia outbreak has surfaced in China, affecting tens of thousands of children. Imran Pambudi, Director of Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases at the Indonesian Ministry of Health, has verified this report and is actively working to confirm several other suspected cases related to this mysterious pneumonia outbreak.
The Indonesian Ministry of Health has urged the public to stay composed and take proactive measures by wearing masks for early protection. Numerous hospitals and health facilities, including community health centres, now offer screening services for this mysterious pneumonia.
Looking at the cases of mysterious pneumonia in China, Mycoplasma stands out as one of the most common causes of this particular disease. Mycoplasma, a bacterium, frequently leads to respiratory infections similar to those caused by COVID-19.
Get to Know About PneumoniaÂ
Pneumonia occurs due to an infection in the air sacs within the lungs. This ailment can affect individuals of any age, from children to the elderly. The primary culprits behind this illness are viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, commonly transmitted through droplets released from the infected person’s mouth during coughing or sneezing. Additionally, indirect transmission can occur through contact with surfaces contaminated by these infectious droplets.
In Indonesia, two types of pneumonia vaccines are accessible, namely:
- PCV13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine): Safeguards against 13 strains of pneumonia-causing bacteria, suitable for administration to infants and adults.
- PPSV23 (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine): Shields against 23 types of pneumonia-causing bacteria. Typically recommended for individuals with a smoking history, the elderly, children over two years old, and adults.
The symptoms of pneumonia often resemble those of the common cold, but they typically persist longer. Here are several early signs of pneumonia:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest pain while breathing or coughing
- Fever and chills
- Difficulty breathing and faster breathing rhythm in infants