Monkeypox Cases Continue To Increase, Puan Asks For An Expansion Of Tracing Reach

Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash

JAKARTA - The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, highlighted the increase in the number of cases of monkeypox (Mpox) in Indonesia. For this reason, he encouraged the Government to expand the tracing reach as a form of preventive action against monkeypox transmission.

"By expanding the range of tracing, we can take preventive measures before the transmission spreads. Because positive patients have started to increase," said Puan, Thursday, November 2.

Based on data from the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) as of November 1, 2023, there have been 29 confirmed cases of monkeypox (Mpox) in Indonesia. The details are 23 cases found in DKI Jakarta, one case came from Bandung, West Java, two cases were in South Tangerang, two cases in Tangerang Regency and one case in Tangerang City, Banten.

All confirmed monkeypox patients are male with an age range of 18 to 49 years. Reflecting on this data, Puan encouraged the tracing team to look at the incubation period or interval from infection to the onset of monkeypox symptoms, which usually start from 6 to 13 days, although in some cases, the incubation period can be longer than 21 days.

"Through the expansion of the tracing range, the government can provide a quick response if someone is confirmed to be exposed to monkeypox so that it can be immediately isolated. This is also the first step to prevent the spread of the monkeypox case," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Puan also explained that tracing efforts also needed to be carried out in a patient environment that tested positive for monkeypox to prevent an area from being exposed to the virus. This reflects on the case of the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

"It must be strengthened in epidemiological surveillance in the regions. The initial spreader must be traced. We learn a lot from Covid-19, and we should be able to be better prepared to deal with disease spread," explained Puan.

According to the first woman to serve as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives, expanding the range of tracing can also help as an indicator of whether monkeypox patients need to be isolated or simply by road maintenance. However, Puan emphasized that this must be based on in-depth observations.

"With tight tracing and through the assistance of this medical team, this will be our preventive effort in preventing the spread of the monkeypox virus in Indonesia," he said.

Since 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) or public health emergency. Therefore, the Government is asked to be proactive in making efforts to deal with it.

With the right steps, Puan hopes that the monkeypox virus can be identified quickly and handled according to procedures.

"I encourage the central and regional governments to synergize in forming an initial tracing team as an effort to prevent the spread of this disease. We must not be late in anticipating public health problems," said Puan.

On the other hand, Puan also encouraged the Government to intensify vaccination efforts to strengthen the immunity of the community so as not to catch the monkeypox virus.

"Make sure the vaccine stock is safe, don't let the number of vaccine needs in Indonesia not be met, so the Ministry of Health must pay close attention. Various efforts must be made to meet the vaccine quota to anticipate a spike in cases of monkeypox," said Bung Karno's grandson.

"And prioritize people or populations who have a high risk of this disease," added Puan.

In DKI Jakarta, Mpox vaccination has been carried out since October 24, 2023. At least 447 people have received the Mpox vaccine where vaccinations are held at a health care facility appointed by the DKI Jakarta Health Office, namely the Carlo clinic and the Puskesmas located in the South Jakarta area, Central Jakarta, East Jakarta and West Jakarta.

Meanwhile, Indonesia will receive the assistance of 2,000 monkeypox vaccines or monkeypox from ASEAN in the near future. The assistance was given because the availability of vaccines in the country is limited to 1000 doses or only for 500 people.

Puan asked the Government to always be alert to whatever the possibility will occur from the spread of the Mpox virus, especially since the spike in monkeypox cases is predicted to occur next year.

"There must be significant intervention to prevent a spike in cases of monkeypox, and of course the support of all elements of the nation including the DPR will play a very important role," he said.

Puan also appealed to the public to continue to carry out a culture of healthy and clean living.

Avoid risky things that can facilitate the spread of the monkeypox virus. Always be vigilant by following strict health protocols. Preventing is better than treating it," concluded Puan.