Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – The number of monkeypox cases in Jakarta has risen to 36 cases throughout 2023. Two new active patients were confirmed positive for monkeypox on November 15, 2023.

A total of 37 monkeypox cases have been reported in Jakarta since 2022. One patient had recovered in August 2022, and 16 others were declared recovered after completing isolation in hospitals from October to November 2023.

Currently, there are 20 active monkeypox patients undergoing isolation in hospitals.

"In 2023, there are 36 positive cases, with a PCR positivity rate of 22 percent. All cases exhibit mild symptoms, and all were infected through sexual contact, all being males aged 25-50," stated Ngabila Salama, Head of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Immunization Section at the Jakarta Health Office on Friday, November 18, 2023.

Ngabila mentioned that monkeypox patients require two to three weeks of treatment before being declared fully recovered.

The Jakarta Health Office has identified four suspects with symptoms of monkeypox as of Saturday, November 18, 2023. The health office has examined 120 individuals in close contact with confirmed positive patients.

The number of people examined for close contact with monkeypox-positive patients has increased by five, from the previous 115 individuals. PCR results indicate that all 120 individuals tested negative for monkeypox. Additionally, nine individuals who had close contact with confirmed positive cases, but were asymptomatic, were also tested.

The Jakarta Health Office has administered monkeypox vaccination to 495 individuals, and Ngabila claimed that the vaccination has reached the set target for Jakarta.

"Approaching monkeypox as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and collaborating with the HIV program should be intensified," Ngabila emphasized. He stated that all monkeypox patients need to undergo HIV and STI testing.

Ngabila advised that individuals in close contact with monkeypox patients within the last month should undergo PCR testing promptly. "Especially if symptomatic, PCR testing for monkeypox should be conducted immediately," he added.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1798395/more-monkeypox-cases-recorded-in-jakart