Health Agency Remains Optimize System to Prevent Mpox Case

Even though the pandemic status was lifted by WHO on May 5, 2023, The case of Mpox (Monkeypox) in Indonesia, especially in Jakarta, continues to be a concern. Early warning of this disease is still carried out to prevent further spread.

Mpox cases in Jakarta can be minimized

Based on the data, there were a total of 59 Mpox cases in Jakarta from October 13, 2023 to August 19, 2024. Then there were 11 Mpox cases spread across eight sub-districts in Jakarta based on the Mpox case distribution data.

The cases were found in Ciracas, Grogol Petamburan, Jatinegara, Kebon Jeruk, Matraman, Pasar Minggu, Tanah Abang and Tanjung Priok. All cases were between the ages of 21 and 50 years.

Here are Three Steps to Prevent Monkeypox Outbreaks

In detail, six cases were recorded in January 2024, followed by three cases in February 2024. May and June 2024 each recorded one case, but both cases occurred outside Jakarta.

Jakarta Health Agency continues to implement a prevention and control system against Mpox including health promotion related to prevention and transmission of Mpox, reporting of case findings through hospitals and health centers, and case control studies that provide recommendations for treatment.

The results of this study identified vulnerable groups for Mpox transmission, namely, men aged 20-40 years who work outside the home, have a homosexual and bisexual sexual orientation, and sufferers of HIV or STIs. This group is prioritized in health education and promotion programs related to Mpox.

Jakarta Health Agency Head, Ani Ruspitawati, said the 2023 Mpox vaccination program has reached 495 people from key populations or high-risk groups.

"495 people have received the first dose of the vaccine up to now, while 430 people have received the second dose. There are still 42 vials of vaccine left to be used as needed," Ani said, Sunday (8/25).

The clinical pictures that can be found in Mpox patients in the 2022 and 2023 outbreaks are fever, headache, muscle pain, back pain, fatigue accompanied by a rash or lesions in the form of small whitish blisters or bubbles with a dark center.

More detailed information about the lesions on Mpox is as follows:

* Lesions often occur in the genital area, anus or inside the mouth. They usually start on the face and/or genitals.

* Lesions do not always spread to many places on the body, they may be limited to a few lesions or even just one lesion.

* Lesions are often painful except during healing (they become itchy)

"It is hoped that Mpox cases in Jakarta can be minimized with the steps that are continuously taken. And the public will remain vigilant and play an active role in efforts to prevent the spread of this disease," Ani stated.