VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - The DKI Jakarta Health Service reported that there are 24 positive monkeypox cases in the city, based on data on October 31, 2023, with all male patients exhibiting mild symptoms.

"There are a total of 24 positive cases, all with mild symptoms transmitted from sexual contact in men aged 25-50 years old," Head of the Surveillance and Immunization Section of the DKI Jakarta Health Service, Ngabila Salama, confirmed on Wednesday.

Of the 24 cases, one person has been declared cured, while the other 23 cases are active positive cases that are undergoing intensive treatment and isolation in hospitals, she remarked.

Of the 23 active positive cases in 2023 one case was identified on October 13, one case on October 19, five cases on October 21, three cases on October 24, two cases on October 25, two cases on October 26, one case on October 27, one case on October 28, two cases on October 29, three cases on October 30, and two cases on October 31.

In addition, Salama remarked that as many as seven people were suspected of having monkeypox symptoms on October 30, with two cases reported, and on October 31, with five cases detected.

"There are 23 active positive cases, while the PCR positive rate is 33 percent," she remarked.

Meanwhile, the Jakarta provincial government is intensifying monkeypox vaccination and expanding tracing following a spike in cases.

Salama said that the total number of recipients of the monkeypox vaccine has reached 447 people out of the target of 495 individuals.

Acting Head of the DKI Jakarta Health Service, Ani Ruspitawati, noted that the provincial government is also conducting tracing with a special team along with related partners.

The team will be processing, tracing, and monitoring parties, who came in close contact with monkeypox patients, she remarked.

For non-sexual close contacts, symptoms will be monitored on a daily basis by the community health center (puskesmas). If monkeypox symptoms are found, a laboratory examination is conducted, Ruspitawati remarked.

Moreover, her side has prepared hospital isolation rooms, prepared antiviral drugs, and actively coordinated with experts at vertical hospitals regarding monkeypox case management.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. (Antaranews)