Minister Of Health: The Fatality Of Mpox In Indonesia Is Low, Cases Are Still Under Control

Minister of Health (Menkes) Budi Gunadi Sadikin said the fatality of the monkeypox (Mpox) case in Indonesia was low and still under control.

"In Indonesia, there are more cases of clade IIB variants, this can be treated and the fatality rate is very small, all those who are sick in Indonesia are cured, so they are worried, especially if it is from smallpox, there is already a vaccine," said Minister of Health Budi as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, August 26.

He explained that until now the case of monkeypox in Indonesia was still recorded at 88 since 2022 and in 2023 it had increased, then decreased again in 2024.

In Indonesia itself in 2024 there may be around 12-14 cases and there hasn't been any more recently. Yesterday there was one, still potential, but now it's being checked whether it's really Mpox because yesterday there were four, but three turned out to be negative, this one is being checked in the lab," he said.

Previously, the Head of the Communication and Public Service Bureau of the Ministry of Health, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, said that the mass Mpox vaccine for the Indonesian people was not yet needed, because there was no recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO).

"No need, because WHO has not recommended it," he said.

Nadia explained that currently the vaccine is prioritized for groups at risk of being exposed to the virus.

Meanwhile, regarding the supply of monkeypox vaccines, Nadia said that this year's stock is still sufficient, so there is no urgency to add.

Meanwhile, WHO recommends "directed vaccinations" in an effort to fight Mpox-type smallpox. According to him, stopping the spread of Mpox is easier than dealing with COVID-19.