Monkeypox Becomes A Global Health Emergency, Distan Mataram Tightens Animal Traffic

Monkeypox or monkeypox cases. (Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - The Department of Agriculture (Distan) of Mataram City in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province has tightened animal traffic as a measure to anticipate the monkeypox virus.

"For animal traffic surveillance, we are working with the NTB Province Animal Quarantine Center," said Head of the Agriculture Service (Distan) Livestock Division of Mataram City Hj Baiq Rihul Jannah in Mataram, Friday, August 23, confiscated by Antara.

This was conveyed in response to a statement from the World Health Organization (WHO) that the monkeypox case had become a global health emergency.

From data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, there are 88 monkeypox cases that have been detected in Indonesia since 2022-2024, with the distribution of monkeypox cases in several areas including East Java, DKI Jakarta, West Java, Banten, and the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY).

"In this regard, the public needs to be aware of the transmission of monkeypox. Moreover, we are close to areas where cases have been found," he said.

According to Rihul, the case of monkeypox in Mataram City has never been found so far. However, anticipatory steps must still be taken to avoid unwanted things.

Therefore, communication and coordination with related parties continues to be improved, especially with the Animal Quarantine Center in order to increase supervision of animal traffic entering this area.

"Do not let animals from outside indicated that they brought the monkeypox virus into our area," he said.

Based on the data, he said, monkeys as a source of the monkeypox virus so far have not roamed around or become people's pets in Mataram City.

Thus, the potential spread and transmission of the monkeypox virus is very small. However, the public must remain vigilant and avoid direct contact with monkeys as the host of the monkepox virus

"Even if it exists, we will handle it in collaboration with the Mataram City Health Office (Dinkes)," he said.

Head of the Mataram City Health Office (Dinkes) H Emirald Isfihan previously appealed to the public to maintain cleanliness and immunity as a measure to anticipate the spread of the monkeypox virus (monkeypox).

"Higiene and immunity can prevent transmission of cases of monkeypox and other viruses," he said.