31-10-2023 (JAKARTA) The Ministry of Health has reported an increase in monkeypox (mpox) cases in Indonesia, with the count reaching 27 as of Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, Maxi Rein Rondonuwu, the Director General of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry, confirmed three new cases of mpox in Jakarta.
Rondonuwu revealed that out of the total cases, 22 are active in Jakarta, four in Banten, and one in Bandung, West Java, based on the patients’ place of residence.
“All of them contracted the disease through sexual contact,” Rondonuwu stated.
He further explained that 42 percent of the mpox patients fall within the age group of 25-39 years, while the percentage of patients aged 18 to 24 is lower at 12 percent.
To address the mpox situation in Indonesia, the Ministry has implemented various surveillance measures. Vaccinations for the key population have been ongoing since October 23, with a target of 477 recipients.
The Ministry is also collaborating with multiple stakeholders to conduct risk communication and prevent further transmission of mpox in the country.
Rondonuwu emphasized the importance of adopting a clean and healthy lifestyle, as well as practicing safe sexual activities.
Furthermore, he highlighted the significance of open communication between the key risk group and health officials to facilitate contact tracing and optimize mpox management.
“We greatly rely on the openness of the mpox-positive individuals. If they are open and forthcoming, it would significantly aid our contact tracing efforts,” Rondonuwu stressed.
