The number of Mpox (monkeypox) cases in Indonesia continues to rise, with 59 confirmed cases in Jakarta, from October 13, 2023, to August 19, 2024. The Jakarta Provincial Health Office has issued a warning about this disease to raise public awareness of its transmission. So, what is Mpox, what are its symptoms, and how can it be prevented? Read the article below.

What is Mpox?

Mpox, commonly known as monkeypox, is a disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. It is a zoonotic disease, which can spread from animals to humans, particularly from rodents and primates, and can then be transmitted from person to person.

According to a study by the Ministry of Health, there are at least 10 vulnerable groups susceptible to Mpox, as follows:

1. Men who have sex with men (MSM);
2. Individuals who frequently change sexual partners;
3. People who had close contact with Mpox patients in the past two weeks;
4. Children, including newborns and those under five years old;
5. Healthcare workers handling Mpox patients;
6. Laboratory workers testing Mpox specimens;
7. People with compromised immune systems;
8. Elderly individuals;
9. Pregnant and breastfeeding women; and
10. People who consume wild animal meat.

Therefore, Smartcitizens need to understand how to avoid the transmission of Mpox to protect themselves.

Symptoms of Mpox or Monkeypox

Common symptoms in people infected with mpox include:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Muscle aches and back pain
• Extreme weakness and fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• The appearance of a rash on various body parts, particularly the face, palms, soles of the feet, and potentially in the eyes, mouth, and genitals.

The rash in mpox patients starts as red spots resembling chickenpox, then develops into fluid-filled blisters, and pus-filled blisters, and finally hardens and falls off. The rash usually appears one to three days after the onset of fever and typically affects the face, palms, and soles of the feet. It can also spread to the eyes, mouth, and genitals. Due to the similarities in appearance and location, the Mpox rash is often mistaken for syphilis or herpes.

How to Prevent Mpox or Monkeypox

To protect yourself from Mpox, here are some preventive measures you can take:

• Limit direct contact with confirmed Mpox patients.
• Avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, such as rodents and primates.
• Maintain personal hygiene by regularly washing your hands with soap and water, especially after contact with sick individuals.
• Disinfect environments that may be contaminated by the virus, including frequently touched objects.
• Visit a healthcare facility immediately if you experience symptoms such as fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes.

What to Do If You Experience Mpox Symptoms?

If you or someone around you experiences symptoms similar to Mpox, seek medical attention immediately for proper treatment. Early detection is crucial to prevent further transmission.

You can also use the Jakarta Sehat services in the JAKIapp, which provides digital healthcare services, such as Healthcare Facility Queue and Check Disease and Outbreak Surveillance Data. The Healthcare Facility Queue feature allows you to make online appointments, while the Check Disease and Outbreak Surveillance Data feature lets you view confirmed Mpox cases in Jakarta. 

Here's how to access these features:

1. Open the JAKI app. If you don’t have it yet, download it from the Google Play Storeor Apple App Store;
2. Click "All" in the features section on the Home page;
3. Select the "Category" tab;
4. Click the "Health" category;
5. Choose Faskes Queue to make a medical appointment or Check Disease and Outbreak Surveillance Data to view confirmed cases.

By utilizing the Jakarta Sehat services in the JAKI app, you can easily access accurate information and medical assistance.

Smartcitizens, prevention is better than cure. Let’s continue to educate ourselves about Mpox (monkeypox) and be more health-conscious to protect ourselves and those closest to us from the threat of this virus. Consult a healthcare facility immediately if you experience symptoms, and don’t hesitate to take necessary preventive measures.