Concerns are rising in Indonesia as the Monkeypox virus, or Mpox, has entered the country. However, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin has urged the public to remain calm. He assures that individuals who have previously been infected with smallpox or received the smallpox vaccine are already equipped with a form of immunity against Mpox.
In his statement, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, commonly referred to as BGS, emphasized that the public should not be overly alarmed. He explained that those with prior exposure to the smallpox virus, either through vaccination or infection, are naturally more resistant to Mpox.
“Mpox and other pox viruses come from the same family. If you’ve been vaccinated for smallpox or had smallpox before, your immunity is already present,” Budi remarked on Thursday (12/9/2024) in a report by detikhealth.
He added that the natural immunity developed from previous exposure to smallpox provides sufficient protection. “If you’ve already been infected with smallpox, you’re essentially protected. There’s no need to be too worried,” he reassured the public.
In terms of preparation, Indonesia is equipped with advanced genomic facilities that enable the country to quickly detect Mpox cases upon their entry. One of the key measures includes PCR testing at airports, specifically designed to identify the latest variant of Mpox, known as Clade 1B. This proactive step aims to prevent the spread of the Clade 1B variant within Indonesia’s borders.
Clade 1B is considered more dangerous due to its higher fatality rate, currently affecting areas in Central Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo. Meanwhile, Clade 2B, a variant with a lower fatality rate, has been spreading more widely.
“There is a new strain called 1B that we are closely monitoring because of its 10 percent fatality rate,” Budi noted, underscoring the importance of strict monitoring at international entry points.
Alongside the testing measures, the Ministry of Health has also taken action to ensure that vaccines specifically designed to combat Mpox are readily available. These vaccines have received official approvals from both Indonesia’s Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM RI) and the World Health Organization (WHO), meaning they can now be distributed for emergency use if necessary.
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Dr. Mohammad Syahril, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, elaborated on the vaccination plan, explaining that the Mpox vaccines to be distributed are known as Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN). This vaccine is a third-generation, non-replicating smallpox derivative. He highlighted that Indonesia had already begun administering Mpox vaccines in 2023, following the confirmation of Mpox cases in the country.
“The Mpox vaccine has already received Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from WHO, as well as Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from BPOM. This means it is approved for use in emergency health situations,” Syahril confirmed in a statement to CNBC Indonesia, Thursday (12/9/2024).
These precautionary steps are part of the Indonesian government’s broader strategy to protect its citizens and minimize the risk of a significant Mpox outbreak in the country. With genomic detection capabilities, airport screening, and approved vaccines, Indonesia is reinforcing its defenses against the potential spread of this dangerous virus.
As the situation unfolds, public health officials continue to monitor developments and adjust their response accordingly. At present, the government has not issued any widespread restrictions or quarantines, though authorities remain vigilant, prepared to act swiftly should circumstances require further intervention.
The Indonesian Ministry of Health remains dedicated to safeguarding public health and addressing any concerns regarding the Monkeypox virus. With vaccination campaigns and testing protocols in place, they are confident that the situation can be contained effectively, minimizing risks to the population.
Through these collective efforts, the government aims to prevent a serious outbreak and ensure the safety of all Indonesian citizens. As Budi Gunadi Sadikin has stressed, prior vaccination and natural immunity offer significant protection, while the additional measures being put in place provide an extra layer of defense.
