TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecasted that the air temperature in Jakarta and its vicinity areas would remain hot until the end of October.

“The temperature will range from 37 to 39 degrees Celcius until next week,” said the agency’s weather forecast head Miming Saepudin in Jakarta, October 25.

Intense exposure to hot temperature can cause heat-related illnesses, including dehydration, said Achmad Yurianto, the Health Ministry’s secretary of Disease Prevention and Control Directorate General.

“Dry air and lack of water lead to a high number of people suffering from dehydration,” said Achmad.

Other illnesses were dengue fever and malaria. According to Achmad, the Health Ministry and the BMKG had recorded the quickest breeding period of mosquitos. “Apart from the rainy season, this hot season also fostered the growth of mosquitos,” he added.

The dry air coupled with strong winds will also cause respiratory problems. Achmad explained the symptoms include allergy, influenza, up to acute respiratory infection or ISPA. “Children are the most vulnerable [to the illnesses],” he added.

Achmad further advised the public to maintain vigilance against the hot temperature. Those who are dehydrated are advised to consume more water. “It doesn’t have to be plain water, meatball soup or Soto soup also contains water. The important thing is the water intake for the body.”

He also appealed to the public to implement the dengue fever prevention measures, such as the 3M method (burying-draining-covering) in a bid to avert dengue fever and wear face masks during outdoor activities. “These are effective prevention measures,” Achmad concluded.

SARAH ERVINA DARA SIYAHAILATUA