The Pragaan community health centre (Puskesmas Pragaan) in Sumenep Regency is distributing abate larvicide at no cost to residents as dengue fever cases begin to rise, Website | Kabupaten Sumenep reported on Monday.
According to the outlet, the free supply is the health centre's response to the increase in dengue infections in its service area. Abate is a larvicide used to kill mosquito larvae in standing water, a common measure in dengue control programmes.
The report did not specify how many cases have been recorded, when the increase began, or how long the free distribution will continue. It also did not state which areas within the Pragaan health centre's coverage are most affected.
Dengue fever is spread by mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water, and health authorities in Indonesia routinely distribute abate during periods when cases climb. The Pragaan centre's move follows that pattern, with the larvicide offered to the public rather than sold.
Residents seeking the free abate were directed to the health centre, though the report gave no further details on eligibility or collection procedures.
Watch for further updates from Sumenep health authorities on case numbers and whether the free distribution is extended or expanded to other health centres in the regency.