The East Lombok Regency Health Office (Dinkes) has officially issued a warning to all levels of society regarding potential health issues arising during the 2026 dry season. The El Niño phenomenon, which triggers extreme hot weather and drought, demands extra awareness from residents in maintaining their physical condition.
Head of the East Lombok Health Office, Lalu Aries Fahrizi, explained that the lack of clean water availability and drastically rising temperatures are the main triggers for various seasonal diseases. Several risks that the public must watch out for include dehydration, Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), diarrhea, and various skin health problems.
To mitigate these risks, the office emphasizes the importance of independent preventive measures, such as consuming adequate mineral drinking water, limiting physical activity under direct sunlight, and ensuring the cleanliness of food and the surrounding environment. Vulnerable groups such as infants, pregnant women, and the elderly are requested to receive special attention to avoid health complications.
Furthermore, Aries emphasized that cross-sector coordination is crucial in facing this challenge. Village governments, educational institutions, and the private sector are expected to play an active role in educating the public, managing environmental sanitation, and urging the efficient use of clean water to maintain collective health.
The public is also asked not to delay medical examinations. If symptoms such as high fever or difficulty breathing are found, residents are urged to immediately visit the nearest healthcare facility, such as a community health center (Puskesmas), to receive treatment as early as possible.
