Ministry of Health Warns of Monkeypox in Neighboring Countries; Here's its Spread in the Asia-Pacific Region

The spread of monkeypox is increasingly prevalent in several countries worldwide. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease has spread to 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, with a total of 212 cases as of July 27, 2022.

Israel has the highest number of monkeypox cases in the Asia-Pacific region, with 121 recorded cases. Australia is second with 44 cases, followed by the United Arab Emirates in third place with 16 cases, and Singapore in fourth place with 11 cases.

Next, India and Lebanon each reported 4 cases. Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and New Zealand each reported 2 cases. New Caledonia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Thailand, and Turkey each reported 1 case.

Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Mohammad Syahril, stated that there have been no confirmed cases of monkeypox in Indonesia to date. "However, two neighboring countries (Australia and Singapore) warrant close monitoring," said Mohammad Syahril at a press conference on Wednesday, July 27, 2022.

Globally, monkeypox cases have reached 20,638 in 77 countries. The United States has the highest number of monkeypox cases worldwide, with 4,638 cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Common symptoms include fever, skin and mouth lesions, rash, difficulty eating, and cough.