The Ministry of Health tightens checks on foreigners to prevent the spread of the Monkey Pox Virus

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has tightened the health inspection scheme for foreign citizens (WNA) visiting Indonesia.

Including foreigners who are invited as state guests. This is an attempt to prevent the monkey pox virus or moor trout (Mpox).

“Increasing attention, especially at state entry points, for example by making questionnaires for foreigners who are invited by state guests,” said Yudhi Pramono, General Director of Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) at the Ministry of Health , as reported by Between on Sunday (18/8/2024).

Yudhi explained that in the questionnaire, foreigners were asked to fill in several pieces of information such as disease history, communication activities and their last travel destination. With this data, the government can be better prepared to deal with risks that may arise.

“After mapping the countries from which the guests come, we have good data. “Even if you are sick, it is not recommended to continue the journey,” he said.

He also emphasized that surveillance is still a big challenge, so Indonesia needs to pay more attention.

Especially with the increase in Mpox cases in several countries, especially in DR Congo, Africa, which reached 2,999 cases this year.

According to Yudhi, the increase in cases in African countries is caused by Mpox clade 1b, which is mainly transmitted through sexual contact and is death rate higher than clade 2b. This is the reason WHO declared Mpox a global health emergency on August 14, 2024.

He said that although WHO has not implemented restrictions for international travelers and vaccination has not yet become a priority, the Ministry of Health believes it is necessary to control foreign visitors. .

“In addition, the incubation period (appearance to cause symptoms) is a maximum of 34 days, so this requires caution in all areas of entry into our country,” continued Yudhi Pramono.

The Ministry of Health noted that, in general, the Mpox situation in Indonesia this year showed a decline compared to the previous year.

Based on data from the Ministry of Health, from January to August 2024, there were 14 confirmed cases and 74 suspects who were subsequently declared negative (removed). Meanwhile, in 2023, there were 73 confirmed cases and 240 suspected cases that were subsequently declared negative. (ant/saf/ham)