Monkeypox Detected in Indonesia, Jakarta Boosts Preparedness and Alertness

Jakarta Health Agency (Dinkes) is committed to continuing to trace close contacts of monkeypox.

This is part of an effort to find cases as early as possible thus the chain of transmission can be immediately stopped

On August 20, 2022, the Health Ministry announced the findings of the first confirmed case of monkeypox in Indonesia against a 27-year-old male patient.

The patient experienced health complaints a few days after he returned to Indonesia on a tour to several countries in Western Europe on August 8, 2022.

Jakarta's Latest Official COVID-19 Figures as of August 22

Jakarta Health Agency Head Widyastuti revealed that so far the tracing results from the Dinkes found 3 close contacts, all of whom so far are in good condition and have no health complaints.

"Before the first case was found, we had received reports and carried out epidemiological investigations on 11 suspected people who were found since May 20, 2022, all of which after going through laboratory examinations were found to be negative for monkeypox. This is part of an effort to find cases as early as possible thus the chain of transmission can be immediately stopped," she explained, as quoted by Jakarta PPID's press release, Monday (8/22).

Her party would continue to monitor the progress of the patient's condition and all of his close contacts.

"The patient is quite cooperative and open with our team. The patient's condition has also improved," she explained.

Since the beginning of the signal increase in cases of monkeypox in the world and it has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) since July 23, 2022. The agency continues to be aware of the threat of this disease by monitoring monkeypox through a network of health facilities and Health Professional Organizations in Jakarta.

As for the information, symptoms of monkeypox are generally fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes found in the neck, armpits, or groin. It can also be accompanied by complaints of muscle pain, back pain, and prolonged fatigue.

After 1-3 days since the fever, the symptoms would be followed by a rash on the skin in several parts of the body, in the form of red spots like smallpox, small blisters filled with clear fluid, or filled with pus which then scab and fall off.

The number of sores or blisters filled with fluid on the skin can be a few scattered fruits. Besides being transmitted through direct contact from sick animals to humans, it can also be transmitted between humans and through objects contaminated with viruses.

Nevertheless, the transmission of monkeypox between humans is not easy. Human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact with droplets, body fluids, or direct skin-to-skin contact with a rash, including through sexual contact.

It can also occur through indirect contact with contaminated objects, such as clothes, bedding, towels, or unwashed cutlery/plates. The public is urged not to panic but to remain vigilant.

The following are efforts to prevent the transmission of monkeypox by implementing a Clean and Healthy Lifestyle (PHBS):

- Wash your hands frequently with running water and soap

- Do not share towels or personal utensils

- Avoid contact with anyone who has symptoms, including not having sex with multiple partners

- Patients need to self-isolate properly to avoid transmission to others