1 Santri In Meranti Riau Allegedly Infected With Monkeypox Dies, Three Others Are Strictly Supervised

A student at one of the Islamic boarding schools in Selatpanjang, Meranti Islands Regency, Riau Province, died after being suspected of being infected with monkeypox (Mpox/Mpox).

The victim died on Friday, September 19, after receiving intensive care at the Meranti Hospital.

Acting Head of the Meranti Islands Health Office, Ade Suhartian, said the victim was one of four students who were reported to have experienced symptoms similar to monkeypox.

The other two students are still suspected, while one student is gradually improving.

"The symptoms that arise do lead to 'monkeypox' such as rashes on the skin and swelling of the lymph nodes. But for certainty, we are still waiting for laboratory results from Pekanbaru," said Ade in Selatpanjang, Antara, Sunday, September 21.

Since Thursday, the Meranti Islands Health Office has conducted epidemiological investigations and close contact tracing of students and local residents.

"Temporary results show no new cases," he said.

The Regent of Meranti Islands, Asmar, confirmed a report from one of the Islamic boarding schools related to four students suspected of being infected with monkeypox. "It turns out that it is true that one patient died, the other was treated, and the other two had been sent home," said Asmar.

He said his party had instructed the Meranti Health Office and Hospital to act quickly. If local facilities are inadequate, patients are advised to immediately be referred to Pekanbaru for further treatment.

Local governments urge the public to remain calm, maintain cleanliness, and immediately check themselves if they experience symptoms such as fever, skin rash, or swelling of the lymph node.