Jakarta. Acting spokesperson for the Health Ministry, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, announced that five suspected cases of the monkeypox virus (Mpox) have been identified across Indonesia.

The five suspects are located in different regions, including Bandung, West Java; Jakarta; South Sulawesi; West Nusa Tenggara; and the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY).

“There are five suspects, but we are still awaiting laboratory results,” Nadia said on Tuesday.

She said the suspects are currently receiving home treatment due to their mild symptoms. “They are being treated at home because the symptoms are mild,” she added.

Nadia urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of monkeypox. “For treatment, please visit a hospital to receive proper care,” she advised.

As of Aug. 17, 2024, the ministry reported 88 confirmed cases of Mpox between 2023 and 2024, all of whom have fully recovered.

According to the Emerging Infectious Diseases Situation Report for July 28 to Aug. 3, 2024, Indonesia first reported a confirmed Mpox case on Aug. 20, 2022, and another on Oct. 13, 2023. 

The most recent Mpox case in Indonesia was reported in early June. Confirmed cases have been found in Jakarta, Banten, West Java, East Java, Riau Islands, and Yogyakarta.

Earlier, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo directed the Health Ministry to enforce strict screening measures for delegates attending the Indonesia-Africa Forum in Bali from September 1-3 to prevent Mpox transmission.

The World Health Organization declared ongoing Mpox outbreaks in Congo and other parts of Africa as a global emergency on August 14. Mpox primarily spreads through close skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals or contaminated items like clothing and bedding, often causing visible skin lesions.