IDAI: Children More Vulnerable to Monkeypox

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) stated that children are more susceptible to being infected with monkeypox which has spread around the world rapidly.

“Children, especially infants, are more susceptible to monkeypox,” said IDAI Chairperson Dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, Sp. A (K).

He emphasized that there is no specific vaccine to prevent the viral disease until now. Thus, parents must educate their children to apply a clean and healthy lifestyle to prevent all kinds of infectious diseases.

The Indonesian Medical Association or IDI’s Head of the Monkeypox Task Force, Hanny Nilasari, also appealed to the public to keep practicing a clean and healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of being exposed to any infectious diseases and be disciplined in complying with the health protocols such as wearing masks and maintaining hand hygiene.

To avoid such virus exposure, she asked the public to avoid direct contact with animals that potentially transmit monkeypox such as rodents, marsupials, and non-human primates, whether dead or alive. 

People having a rash accompanied by fever or other clinical symptoms of monkeypox are highly suggested to immediately contact the local health service facility.

“The public is advised to voluntarily give honest information if they experience monkeypox symptoms or have contact with monkeypox patients,” Hanny underlined.

Hanny also asked the public to stay vigilant because the virus has spread around the world. As of July 29, 2022, 76 countries have reported monkeypox infections with a total of 22,485 confirmed cases.

ANTARA

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