August 7, 2022 – According to the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Indonesia monitoring on the development of monkeypox constantly which has already reached numerous Asia nations.
Agus Suprapto, the ministry’s deputy for coordination for population development and health quality improvement, stated that the government is still closely watching the spread of the disease even if there have been no proven cases of monkeypox transmission in Indonesia.
He also mentioned the effectiveness of the disease entry mitigation mechanism had been working. Every visitor arriving from countries where there have been incidences of monkeypox transmission is still being screened by the Port Health Office.
Additionally, the government has also planned more proactive measures to address the potential spread of monkeypox by conducting epidemiological studies on monkeypox on laboratories, including tests to find the virus that causes the disease.
Bambang Soesatyo, the Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), also propose for the rapid creation of a task force to handle instances of monkeypox is being taken into consideration.
The MPR Speaker had earlier stated that since monkeypox has been found in multiple nations, the government must immediately establish a task force to address cases.
Soesatyo also requested to the government to work with appropriate parties to increase and tighten screening at all points of entry into the nation, including ports, airports, and land border crossings.
Indonesia Intensifies Vigilance Against Monkeypox
The Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) has applauded the measures and emphasised the need of prevention, particularly in light of the laxer travel regulations in practically all nations. This action is expected to help Indonesia monitoring on the development of monkeypox comprehensively.
Professor Zubairi Djoerban, chairman of the IDI’s COVID-19 task force, on August 4, said that one of example to prevent the spread of monkeypox is checking on foreign or domestic travellers who’s entering Indonesia with skin conditions on their hands or faces resembling chickenpox, smallpox, or herpes must report them right away to the health post at the airport.
Additionally, he cautioned medical professionals to look out for any skin disease signs like itching or patches that might be caused by monkeypox.
