27-10-2023 (JAKARTA) The Health Ministry and epidemiologists in Indonesia have raised concerns about the potential number of monkeypox cases in the country, estimating that it could reach as high as 3,600. During a virtual press conference on Thursday, Maxi Rein Rondonuwu, the director general of disease prevention and control at the ministry, explained that this estimation was based on a comparison with the rate of monkeypox cases in Britain and considering the key population in Indonesia.
Rondonuwu emphasized that the estimated figure could increase further if intervention and education efforts do not effectively address the situation. He stressed the importance of implementing a clean and healthy lifestyle and advised against engaging in sexual activity if exhibiting symptoms of monkeypox. He also highlighted the need for safe sex practices among healthy individuals.
The significant increase in monkeypox cases this year, compared to last year, is attributed to various factors, including the limitations on travel between countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rondonuwu mentioned that local transmission in Indonesia this year resulted from several imported cases.
Efforts have been made by the ministry to trace the timeline of how the virus entered Indonesia. Rondonuwu explained that they have identified a probable case from August, but it has been challenging to locate the individual as they frequently travel abroad and did not provide a sample for testing.
Rondonuwu reassured the public that the monkeypox variant in Indonesia is considered mild and does not cause high mortality. The ministry has procured 1,000 vaccine doses, with each recipient scheduled to receive two doses. Additionally, they are coordinating with the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to obtain an additional 2,000 vaccine doses.
To effectively track transmission and address the disease, Rondonuwu emphasized the importance of openness from the MSM group (men who have sex with men) towards healthcare workers. Being open about their condition will facilitate better treatment and help suppress the transmission of monkeypox.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It manifests with symptoms such as a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever.
