Five Steps to Prevent Mpox Transmission

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox or Monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. This declaration followed a surge in cases of the disease originating from the Monkeypox (Mpox) virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and several African countries.

In Indonesia, the Health Ministry confirmed the discovery of 88 cases of Mpox as of Saturday, August 17, 2024. These cases were distributed across Jakarta, West Java, Banten, East Java, Yogyakarta, and the Riau Islands.

How to Prevent Transmission of the Mpox Virus

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here are five steps to protect yourself from transmission of the monkeypox virus:

1. Get Vaccinated

The Jynneos vaccine can prevent Mpox. Receiving both doses of the vaccine four weeks apart provides the best protection. The Jynneos vaccine is recommended for high-risk groups, including gay, bisexual men, transgender, gender non-binary, or gender-diverse individuals.

Vaccination is also given to individuals who have had direct contact with Mpox sufferers in the past two weeks. However, individuals who have previously recovered from monkeypox do not need the vaccine.

2. Know the Types of High-Risk Activities

If you are at high risk of contracting Mpox but have not received two doses of the vaccine, consider temporarily avoiding activities involving personal contact, such as sex. Parties or clubs where minimal clothing is worn and skin contact is common can also be transmission mediums.

In addition, activities such as having sex with multiple partners and engaging in intimate relationships in commercial sex places can also increase the risk of transmission.

Individuals who have had contact with Mpox sufferers should get vaccinated immediately, regardless of gender and sexual identity.

3. Avoid Skin Contact with Sufferers

Temporarily avoid touching individuals with skin problems, such as a rash. Symptoms of monkeypox often resemble acne, blisters, or scabs and may appear on the hands, feet, face, chest, mouth, and genitals.

In areas endemic to Mpox, especially in western and central Africa, rodents and primates can be a source of transmission. Direct contact with infected animals poses a risk of exposure to the virus.

4. Avoid Contact with Objects Used by Sufferers

Avoid using items that have been used by individuals with monkeypox, such as eating utensils, bedding, towels, or clothing. If you live with someone who has Mpox, clean and disinfect the house using wet cleaning methods, such as sprays, tissues, and mops containing disinfectants.

Contaminated clothing should not be mixed with other laundry. Place fabric items used by sufferers in a watertight container that can be disinfected or discarded.

5. Wash Your Hands Frequently

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before touching your face and food. Washing your hands is also recommended after using a shared bathroom.

MELYNDA DWI PUSPITA | CDC | SEHAT NEGERIKU 

Editor’s Choice: Mpox Vaccines Likely Months Away Even as WHO, Africa CDC Discuss Emergency

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News