The Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes RI) has recently reported a surge in the number of monkeypox cases within Indonesia, with the update coming on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, who serves as the Head of the Public Communication and Service Bureau at the Indonesian Ministry of Health, provided insight into the situation. As of November 1, 2023, the total number of confirmed monkeypox cases within the nation has reached 29.
Dr. Nadia emphasized the current tally of 29 government-confirmed monkeypox cases, underscoring the accuracy of this data as of November 1, 2023. Furthermore, she conveyed that, “All patients are generally in good condition, but none have completed their isolation.”
To put this into perspective, it’s essential to note that up until October 30, 2023, Indonesia had recorded a total of 27 monkeypox cases. Thus, at the onset of November 2023, the country registered two additional cases of monkeypox.
These newly reported cases involve male patients under the age of 30, both originating from Jakarta (DKI Jakarta). To provide a geographical context, among the 29 cases, 23 are concentrated in DKI Jakarta. Additionally, there is one case from Bandung, West Java, two cases in Tangerang Selatan, two cases in Tangerang Regency, and one case in Kota Tangerang, Banten.
A common factor among all the confirmed monkeypox patients is that they are males aged between 18 and 49 years. Equally notable is their history of engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors, such as having multiple partners and participating in same-sex activities.
Dr. Nadia elaborated, stating, “With a history of multiple partners and a history of sexual activity with same-sex partners.”
It’s of paramount importance to recognize that monkeypox is categorized as a rare and lethal disease, attributed to the Monkeypox virus. Historical data reveals a case fatality rate that fluctuates between 0% and 11% in the general population, with higher rates observed among children.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented that monkeypox was initially identified in humans in the year 1970. While it was originally confined to West Africa, it has since disseminated extensively, spanning continents such as Europe, America, Asia, and Australia.
In light of the peculiarities of monkeypox, it’s worth noting that the incubation period, referring to the span between infection and the onset of symptoms, typically ranges from 6 to 13 days. However, exceptions exist, with some cases exhibiting an extended incubation period that can extend to 21 days.
As part of the response to these developments, Dr. Nadia underscored the necessity for the public to abstain from high-risk sexual activities. Moreover, she encouraged swift medical intervention if any potential symptoms are detected, promoting early detection and management in the fight against monkeypox.
