VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - The Jakarta Health Office continues to conduct case detection efforts against mpox by tracing close contacts for 24 hours to prevent spread of the disease.

“We carry out a 24-hour investigation, including close contact tracing, to check the spread of cases,” Head of the Jakarta Health Office Ani Ruspitawati confirmed here on Thursday.

Detection efforts have been conducted because, as of October 25, the mpox case count in Jakarta has reached 13.

Of the total 13 mpox patients, 12 are still undergoing isolation at hospitals, while one patient has recovered.

Nine people are categorized as suspects or those suspected of having mpox symptoms.

In addition, the Jakarta Health Office continues to follow up on the findings of suspected or probable cases of mpox from health facilities in Jakarta. The office continues to coordinate with the Ministry of Health regarding case finding, recording, and reporting.

According to Ruspitawati, regional public hospitals in Jakarta as well as the Prof Dr Sulianto Saroso Infectious Disease Hospital can serve as referral hospitals for mpox patients to get further treatment.

This is also aimed at facilitating patients whose house conditions make it difficult to conduct self-isolation.

“If the mpox patient is declared recovered by the doctor, a follow-up test through PCR test or special examination is not necessary. Then, the patient can carry out their activities again like before,” she explained.

The health office has also coordinated with other institutions that must be alert against mpox spread, including those engaged in handling the health of animals and wild animals in Jakarta.

The coordination includes risk assessment and disseminating information about mpox to the public through various information media. Currently, mpox vaccination is still being administered to groups vulnerable to the infection.

Moreover, the Jakarta Health Office continues to communicate about the risks in accordance with the Mpox Prevention and Control Guidelines of the Ministry of Health, especially to certain groups. (Antaranews)