There were 14 active monkeypox cases in Indonesia at the end of October 2023.

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) reported 14 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Indonesia as of October 26, 2023. This figure is an accumulation of confirmed cases throughout the year, since the first case was reported on October 13, 2023.

The Director General of Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) at Kemenkes, Maxi Rein Rondonuwu, explained that 13 positive monkeypox cases exhibited symptoms, while 1 positive case was asymptomatic.

"The most common symptoms are skin lesions, accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, especially in the groin, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, muscle aches, and chills," said Maxi in a virtual press conference on Thursday (October 26, 2023).

Maxi also revealed 17 cases confirmed negative or discarded, 9 suspected cases, and 2 probable cases.

"Probable means there was contact with a sufferer, but laboratory samples have not yet been taken. Suspected cases have similar symptoms, samples have been taken, and we will wait for the laboratory results," explained Maxi.

Based on age, 64% of monkeypox sufferers were aged 25-29 years, and 36% were aged 30-39 years. All were men who contracted the virus through sexual contact.

In efforts to control monkeypox, Kemenkes has undertaken several measures, such as tightening surveillance through epidemiological investigations, conducting Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) on confirmed cases, and notifying the World Health Organization (WHO).

"We really need openness from those who are positive. If they are open, it will be very easy for us to do tracing," said Maxi.

Kemenkes stated that it conducted the first monkeypox vaccination for 477 priority individuals starting October 24, 2023. This vaccination was carried out at several health facilities designated by the Jakarta Provincial Health Office.