88 Confirmed cases of Mpox in Indonesia, same-sex sex is one of the causes

Jakarta, 18 August 2024

The Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) announced the latest confirmed case data for Monkeypox (Mpox) in Indonesia. On Saturday (17/8/2024), there were 88 confirmed cases of Mpox.

In detail, cases are spread throughout DKI Jakarta with 59 confirmed cases, West Java 13 confirmed cases, Banten 9 confirmed, East Java 3 confirmed, Yogyakarta Special Region 3 confirmed, and Riau Islands 1 confirmed.

Of this number, 87 cases were declared cured. If we look at the weekly trend of confirmed Mpox cases in Indonesia from 2022 to 2024, the period with the most cases occurred in October 2023.

Yes pls. Director General of Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) Ministry of Health Indonesia dr. Yudhi Pramono, MARS, said that of the 88 cases tested, 54 cases met the criteria for whole genome sequencing (WGS) to be done to confirm the virus variant.

“Of these 54 cases, all are Clade IIB variants. “Clade II is spreading the majority of Mpox outbreaks in 2022 so far with lower deaths and is transmitted mainly from sexual contact,” said Dr. Yudhi at a press conference on Mpox Case Development in Indonesia, Sunday (18/8/2024).

There are two Clade Monkeypox viruses, namely Clade I originating from Central Africa (Congo Basin) with subclade 1a. Subclade 1a has a higher case fatality rate (CFR) than other clades and is transmitted through several modes of transmission. Meanwhile, subclade 1b is mainly transmitted from sexual contact with a CFR of 11%.

Compared to Clade I, Clade II originates from West Africa with subclades IIa and IIb with a CFR of 3.6%. Clade II has a low CFR with cases mostly originating from sexual contact during the 2022 outbreak.

Dr. Dr. Prasetyadi Mawardi, SPKK (K), from the Indonesian Association of Dermatology and Venereology Specialists (PERDOSKI) said that Mpox Clade I variants, both 1a and 1b, have not been found in Indonesia. From 2022 until now, the variant found in Indonesia is the Clade II variant.

“On reflection, Clade I has a significantly higher mortality rate than Clade II, and then this variation is usually caused by close contact, not just sexual contact,” he said.

Since Mpox mainly attacks the skin, Dr. Prasetyadi appealed to anyone who is suspected of being infected with Mpox and has symptoms not to treat the lesions on the skin, such as bruising or scratching, and the lesions should leave them alone. This is because these wounds, whether wet or dry, have the potential to transmit viruses.

“Patients should also not share personal items such as towels and clothes. “If there are lumps or nodules and they hurt or bleed, you should give medicine immediately,” he said.

As a prevention effort, the Ministry of Health has carried out an investigation in all health facilities, carried out epidemiological studies with the HIV / AIDS community and partners, established 12 national information laboratories for tests Mpox, and performed WGS tests.

For medicines, the Ministry of Health has prepared symptomatic treatment, depending on the severity of the case. Patients with mild symptoms can self-isolate at home under the guidance of the local health center, while patients with severe symptoms must be treated in hospital.

The public needs to know, Dr. Yudhi explained that Mpox is transmitted through direct contact with purulent rashes on the skin, including during sex.

“People who have sex with many partners and change them are at a high risk of contracting Mpox. “The main risk group is men who have sex with the same sex,” said Dr. Judy.

He appealed to the public to use medical masks if they feel sick. If symptoms such as a purulent rash or scab appear on the skin, go immediately to the nearest health center, clinic or hospital.

This news was broadcast by the Bureau of Communications and Public Services, Ministry of Health Indonesia. For more information, contact the Ministry of Health’s Hello telephone number via hotline number 1500-567, SMS 081281562620 and email address [email protected].

Plt. Chief of the Bureau of Communications and Public Services

Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, M. Epid