Health Ministry Alerts Public On Monkeypox Symptoms and Signs

Jakarta, InfoPublik – Monkeypox is a disease caused by viruses transmitted through animals (zoonoses). Monkeypox incubation period (interval from infection to onset of symptoms) is usually six to 16 days, but can range from five to 21 days.

Health Ministry’s disease prevention and control director general Anung Sugihantono, in a written statement on Wednesday (5/15), said that monkeypox can only be diagnosed through laboratory tests.

"There is no specific treatment or vaccination available for monkeypox virus infection. Symptomatic and supportive treatment can be given to relieve pains that arise," he explained.

The symptoms are sudden high fever, severe headaches, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), back pain, muscle aches, limp, and skin rashes that appear on face and spread to other body parts.

This rash develops from red spots like smallpox (maculopapular), blisters filled with clear fluid, pus-filled blisters, then hardens. It usually takes up to three weeks for the rash to disappear.

Monkeypox is a self-limiting disease–a disease that tends to go away on its own–with symptoms that last for 14-21 days. Severe cases are more common in children and are related to the level of exposure to the virus, the patient's health status, and the severity of complications.

The case fatality has varied widely but has been less than 10% in documented events, mostly among children. In general, young age-groups appear to be more susceptible to monkeypox disease.

Anung advised the travelers who had just returned from monkeypox infected area to immediately see the doctor if they have the monkeypox symptoms and signs. He also urged the travelers to inform the health workers about their travel history.

To health workers, he reminded to use protective equipment, at least gloves and masks when handling patients or sick animals.

The areas affected by monkeypox globally are Central and Western Africa that include Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gabon, and South Sudan. (Translator: Wilda Stiana)