Ministry Of Health: ASEAN Hasn't Found Enterovirus-11, Including Indonesia

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) Mohammad Syahril said the Enterovirus-11 (Echovirus-11) had not been found in Indonesia or ASEAN countries.

"Based on the tracking of the Bluedot platform, the Enterovirus has not been detected in Indonesia or ASEAN countries," said Mohammad Syahril as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, July 13.

He said that what had been detected at the National Laboratory of Sri Oemijati was Enterovirus 71 (EV-71) because it included the surveillance program for hand disease, feet and mouth (Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease/HFMD).

"However, the Enterovirus-11 that attacked a number of newborns in Europe has yet to be examined," said Syahril.

Currently, there are three diagnosis laboratories that can identify Enterovirus-11 in Indonesia, namely the Sri Oemijati Jakarta Laboratory, the Bandung Biofarma Laboratory, and the Surabaya Health Laboratory Center (BBLK).

"Enterovirus diagnosis equipment in the laboratory with identification of culture and PCR for the Enterovirus 71 and polio virus. For Enterovirus 11 can be identified through real timePCR and sequencing," he said.

Efforts to prevent Enterovirus in general are to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene as the main prevention method.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday (7/7) announced as many as 26 babies in a number of European countries were infected with the Enterovirus. Eight of the babies died after organ failure and sepsis.

Cases of enterovirus infection were reported from Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. Most of the deaths were reported from France.

The Enterovirus-11 case was identified in early 2022. At least half of 26 cases have been reported since the end of spring 2023.