Respiratory infections reach seven-week high as haze worsens air quality across Kepri.
Reported acute respiratory infection cases have risen across the Riau Islands amid deteriorating air quality, with Batam accounting for most cases and health authorities urging families to take extra precautions to protect children and other vulnerable groups.
ISPA Cases Reach Seven-Week High
The Riau Islands Health Office recorded 4,415 acute respiratory infection, or ISPA, cases in epidemiological week 39, the highest total reported during the previous seven weeks. The figure was 11.4% higher than the 3,964 cases recorded in week 38 and nearly twice the 1,796 cases reported in week 33, according to provincial health data updated on October 8, 2026.
Batam Accounts for Most Cases
Batam remained the largest contributor, recording 3,025 cases, or roughly two-thirds of the provincial total. The city’s weekly figure increased 19.3% from 2,535 cases. Karimun recorded the sharpest percentage increase, rising 36.8% from 182 to 249 cases, while Bintan recorded 488 cases, Tanjungpinang 217, Lingga 192, Natuna 163, and Anambas 81.
Children Among Most Affected
The Riau Islands Health Office urged residents to take additional precautions during periods of poor air quality, particularly to protect young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with underlying medical conditions. Residents in areas with AQI readings above 100 were advised to wear medical masks outdoors and limit unnecessary outdoor activities.
Air Quality Adds to Health Concerns
Air pollution remained a concern across the province. Karimun recorded PM2.5 concentrations of 80.5 micrograms per cubic meter, while Tanjungpinang recorded an AQI of 164 and PM2.5 of 65 micrograms per cubic meter on October 8. Despite Tanjungpinang’s poor air quality, its reported ISPA cases declined 8.4% from the previous week, showing that weekly infection trends varied between districts.
Health Office Urges Early Treatment
The Riau Islands Health Office urged residents to seek medical attention at a community health center or hospital if they experience fever, persistent coughing, or shortness of breath. BMKG also reported that haze had reduced horizontal visibility around Tanjungpinang to approximately 1 to 3 kilometers, and advised residents to monitor official air-quality information before spending extended periods outdoors.
For residents across the Riau Islands, particularly in Batam, the latest figures show respiratory cases rising alongside continuing concerns over haze and air quality, with children requiring particular attention. For Singaporeans, the situation in nearby Kepri is also regionally relevant as haze conditions continue affecting communities across the surrounding maritime area.
Sources: Batampos (2026) , Ulasan (2026)
Keywords: Kepri ISPA Cases, Batam Respiratory Infections, Riau Islands Haze, Batam Air Quality, Children ISPA Kepri, PM2.5 Kepri
