World Monkey Pox Cases Reach 91 Thousand, Indonesia 14 Cases

PIXABAY ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) explained the current development of monkeypox cases. Citing World Health Organization (WHO) records as of October 25, cases of monkey pox in the world reached 91 thousand.

"As of today in October, monkeypox cases have been repeated and it appears that many infections will occur in 2023. If you look at the world globally, the estimated confirmed cases are around 91 thousand with a total of 157 deaths, and 115 countries have reported them," said the Director General of Prevention. and Disease Control (P2P) of the Indonesian Ministry of Health Maxi Rein Rondonuwu in a virtual press conference, Thursday, October 26.

Meanwhile, as of today, there have been 14 cases of monkey pox in Indonesia. One case was recorded in August 2022 and 13 other cases were recorded from October 13 2023 until now.

"We have 14 cases, every day the average increases by 2 to 3 cases," said Maxi.

There are 9 suspected cases who are symptomatic and have been examined. Currently, the nine cases are still awaiting PCR test results. Then, as many as 17 cases were discarded or suspected which had tested negative for monkey pox.

"Then 2 are probable, these have symptoms and there is contact with confirmed cases but they are not or have not been taken by the laboratory. It is quite difficult to be taken by the laboratory," said Maxi.

The Ministry of Health notes that the characteristics of confirmed cases of monkey pox in Indonesia are that the maximum age is 25-29 years or 64 percent, then the remaining 30-39 years or 36 percent. All monkeypox patients are male.

"Method of transmission, because the other (active cases) are not yet open, but it is most likely sexual contact. The sexual orientation is mostly MSM (men like men) 86 percent. There are heterosexuals and bisexuals, but most are MSM," said Maxi.

In the world, the most cases of monkey pox are in the United States. Then in countries included in the World Health Organization's Southeast Asia Regional Office (SEARO), the most cases of monkey pox are in Thailand.

In SEARO this year starting April 2023, the most cases are Thailand. "Indeed, last year's monkeypox was designated as a PHEIC (a health emergency that is disturbing the world) but it will end on May 11, 2023," he said.

The spread of cases or monkeypox is becoming a concern for the government after the recent discovery of active cases in Jakarta. Monkeypox is transmitted through droplets in the form of phlegm, sneezing, saliva that contaminates the environment or hands, skin contact, wound contact, body fluids and sexual contact.