The Ministry of Health Records Seven Monkeypox Cases in Jakarta; Here's Their Geographic Distribution

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) reported that confirmed monkeypox cases in Indonesia have reached seven as of October 22, 2023. This is an increase since the first case was reported on October 13, 2023, bringing the total to eight cases since the first confirmed case in 2022.

“Based on laboratory test results, we have found seven confirmed monkeypox cases in Indonesia this year,” said Director General of Disease Prevention and Control Maxi Rein Rondonuwu, as reported by Kompas.com on Monday (October 23, 2023).

Maxi stated that all confirmed cases were found in six areas within Jakarta: one case in Setiabudi, and one case each in Jatinegara, Mampang, Kebayoran Lama, Grogol Petamburan, and Kembangan.

According to Maxi, all confirmed monkeypox patients are males of productive age. 71% are aged 25-29 years old, while the remaining 29% are aged 30-39 years old.

"From the tracing, six monkeypox patients are also people with HIV (ODHIV) and have bisexual orientations," said Maxi.

Currently, Maxi continued, all monkeypox patients are undergoing intensive care in isolation wards at several hospitals in Jakarta.

He stated that treatment will continue until the lesions are completely healed. On the other hand, Maxi said that the patients are in good and stable condition.

“Their condition is good and stable. We are monitoring them closely and continuously. We are also currently monitoring individuals who have had close contact with the patients,” said Maxi.

The first monkeypox case was announced in August 2022. This case was found in Jakarta in an Indonesian citizen. The first monkeypox case involved a man who had recently returned from overseas travel.

This man had visited a country among the 89 countries with reported monkeypox cases on August 8, 2022. The first confirmed positive monkeypox case in Indonesia was detected through early detection by the patient.

Over time, there were a number of suspected monkeypox cases. However, further examination showed that dozens of suspected cases were discharged as they were not confirmed to be positive for monkeypox.