As of 22 October 2023, the confirmed cases of Monkeypox in Indonesia have seen an increase. According to daily data, the number of positive cases has risen to seven since it was first reported on 13 October 2023.
“Based on the laboratory test results, we have now confirmed seven cases of Monkeypox in Indonesia this year. All confirmed cases have been found in the Jakarta Capital Region,” stated Maxi Rein Rondonuwu, the Director-General for Disease Prevention and Control, on 23rd October 2023.
Maxi also disclosed that Monkeypox patients exhibited risky sexual behaviours, with the emergence of lesions and red rashes. This was followed by symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, myalgia, rashes, and difficulty swallowing.
Transmission occurs from human to human through direct contact with bodily fluids or skin lesions of infected individuals.
Maxi explained that all patients are currently undergoing intensive care in isolation rooms in several hospitals in Jakarta. Treatment will continue until the wounds have completely dried.
“In terms of their condition, they are all doing well and are stable. We are closely and continuously monitoring them. We are also currently tracking those who had close contact with the patients,” Maxi added.
Following the increase in cases, Maxi stated that the Ministry of Health is making urgent efforts to control the situation.
There are at least three key efforts being undertaken, including surveillance, therapeutic measures, and vaccination.
Surveillance efforts include epidemiological investigations and the establishment of testing laboratories.
Therapeutic measures involve providing symptomatic therapy, ensuring the logistics for specific Mpox antiviral treatments, and continuous patient monitoring.
Furthermore, Maxi revealed that all the confirmed Monkeypox cases originated from Jakarta. The breakdown includes one case from Jatinegara, one from Mampang, one from Kebayoran Lama, two from Setiabudi, one from Grogol Petamburan, and one from Kembangan.
The data also indicates that all confirmed Monkeypox patients are males in their productive years. The majority, around 71 per cent, are males aged 25 to 29 years, while the remaining 29 per cent are males aged 30 to 39 years.
It has been discovered that six of the Monkeypox patients are also People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and have a bisexual orientation.
The Origin of Monkeypox
According to the official website of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Monkeypox is a rare zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. This virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family.
Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when there was an outbreak of a disease similar to smallpox that affected research monkeys. The first cases of Monkeypox in humans were identified in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“Since then, Monkeypox cases have infected people in several Central African and West African countries, including Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, and Sierra Leone,” according to the Ministry of Health, as quoted on Friday, October 20, 2023.
How Monkeypox Spreads
Referring to the World Health Organization’s official website, Monkeypox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with infected patients, contaminated objects, or infected animals.
In detail, here are the ways Monkeypox can be transmitted through contact with humans, animals, or contaminated objects:
- Human-to-Human Transmission: Transmission can occur through face-to-face contact (talking or breathing), droplets, physical touch, kissing, or sexual contact.
- Animals: Transmission can happen while hunting, skinning, or cooking infected animals.
- Objects: Transmission can occur through contaminated sprays, clothing, or needles.
- Pregnant Women: Pregnant women can pass the Monkeypox virus to unborn babies.
“Monkeypox can be prevented by avoiding physical contact with infected individuals. In addition, vaccination can help prevent infection for those at risk,” states the WHO.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
According to the WHO, the typical signs and symptoms of Monkeypox generally appear within seven days but can manifest anywhere from one to 21 days after exposure.
“Usually, symptoms last for two to four weeks but can extend longer in individuals with weakened immune systems,” the WHO explains.
Common symptoms of Monkeypox include:
- Rashes
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
