Two Residents of South Tangerang Tested Positive for Monkeypox
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31 October 2023 16:27 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Two residents of South Tangerang have been confirmed positive for monkeypox or mpox. Head of the Regional Health Agency, Allin Hendalin Mahdaniar, said the two patients were male.
“As of Oct. 30, two men are confirmed positive for monkeypox in South Tangerang based on the specimen test,” Allin said on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
She explained that one of the patients, 24, holds a non-South Tangerang ID and has resided in the city for the past ten months, while the other one is a local aged 31. The two had fever and lesions on their hands, faces, and bodies. Fortunately, they had no comorbidities.
“They have been treated and are in isolation. Local health centers are monitoring the close contacts,” Allin said.
The Health Ministry earlier issued a Circular No. HK.02.02/C/4408/2023, calling on the public to raise awareness about mpox or monkeypox in Indonesia. The ministry has thus far detected 24 positive cases.
Mpox is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a mild infection with symptoms lasting around two to four weeks. However, the disease can become severe and lead to death.
Allin urged people not to panic, stay alert about the infection transmission, maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle, and comply with the health protocols.
The South Tangerang Government has also educated health workers and strengthened the surveillance system to investigate and trace close contacts. “Hospitals in South Tangerang are ready to treat monkeypox patients,” Allin added.
Allin further asked the public to practice early detection and report immediately if they find people with monkeypox symptoms in their area.
MUHAMMAD IQBAL
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