Mpox Case on The Rise, Ministry Warns Travellers to Exercise Caution

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The World Health Organization (WHO) has once again declared Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The PHEIC status was announced on August 14, 2024, following a surge in Mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and several other African nations.

Previously, in July 2022, the widespread transmission of Mpox to various countries prompted WHO to declare the disease as a PHEIC. That status was lifted in May 2023 after a sustained global decline in cases.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) also declared Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) on August 13, 2024.

In response to the Mpox health emergency, Acting Director-General of Disease Prevention and Control, Yudhi Pramono, urged the public, particularly travelers, to remain vigilant and avoid traveling to Mpox-affected countries.

"Avoid traveling abroad, especially to affected countries, and follow the government's advisories," he stated in a press release published on Sehatnegeriku.kemkes.go.id on August 19, 2024.

Director of Surveillance and Health Quarantine, Achmad Farchanny Tri Adryanto, added that there are no travel restrictions to or from countries experiencing an increase in Mpox cases. However, travelers from Indonesia should exercise caution and remain vigilant if they choose to visit affected countries, especially in Africa.

"As of now, there is no travel warning or restriction to and from Africa, but the government advises travelers from Indonesia to Africa to be cautious, maintain cleanliness and healthy living practices, and engage in safe and healthy sexual behavior," Farchanny added.

According to the "Multi-country outbreak of Mpox. External Situation Report 35" published by WHO on August 12, 2024, a total of 99,176 confirmed Mpox cases, including 208 deaths, have been reported by 116 WHO member countries from January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024.

In Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported the highest number of Mpox cases, accounting for approximately 96 percent of the total cases on the continent.

During the last six months (January 1 to June 30, 2024), the African region confirmed more Mpox cases than any other region for two consecutive months. This surge is linked to the widespread outbreak and increasing number of cases in the region, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In WHO's latest report on August 15, 2024, Sweden became the first country outside Africa to confirm Mpox of the Clade Ib strain in an individual with a travel history to Central Africa. Clade I is considered more severe and transmissible than MPXV Clade II.

TEMPO.CO

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