Mataram Health Department urges residents to maintain cleanliness to prevent monkey pox virus – ANTARA News West Kalimantan

Mataram (ANTARA) – The Health Service of Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara Province, appealed to the public to maintain cleanliness (hygiene) and immunity as a measure to prevent the spread of monkey pox virus (monkey pox).

“Hygiene and immunity can prevent the spread of cases of monkeypox and other viruses,” said Mataram City Health Service (Dinkes) Head H Emirald Isfihan in Mataram, Friday.

This was given in response to the announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO) that the case of smallpox has been declared a global emergency.

From data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, 88 cases of monkeypox were found in Indonesia from 2022-2024. Related to this, the public must be aware of the spread of monkeypox as this virus has entered Indonesia since 2022.

Emirald said that no case of monkey pox has been found so far in Mataram Town, but the warning from WHO must be a matter of general attention to make anticipatory and preventive efforts.

As a means of surveillance, the Department of Health in this case has the ability to provide education and screening when there are indications of case decisions.

At the same time, it is the domain of the authorities to monitor the entrances of domestic animals, especially monkeys, which are the main hosts of the monkeypox virus, in this case the Office of Health a ‘Ports (KKP).

“It is our responsibility to educate the public, one of which is to maintain cleanliness and increase the body’s immunity so that they are not easily infected,” he said.

At the same time, for anticipatory measures, prevention, treatment and other measures, Emirald said, his party is waiting for instructions from the central government.

From the information, he said, the monkeypox virus can be transmitted through direct contact with wounds or body fluids that have the virus, such as saliva, blood or fluids from skin rashes as well as through sexual intercourse with people. which is exposed to the monkeypox virus.

The symptoms start with fever, itching all over the body, dizziness and the appearance of bleeding spots and blisters on the surface of the skin.

“We hope that the public will remain calm but alert, and if people have health problems, they will immediately come to the nearest health facility,” he reminded.