Indonesia on standby to combat mpox outbreak: Health ministry

As many as 12 public health laboratories across the country are prepared to perform mpox examination, says Indonesia's Ministry of Health.

Following the World Health Organization's declaration that the mpox disease is yet again a ⁠public health emergency of international concern, Indonesia's Ministry of Health has shared that it is on standby to combat the outbreak. 

On 20 August 2024, Kementerian Kesehatan shared in a Facebook post that as many as 88 cases of mpox were detected between 2022-2024, with confirmed cases scattered across Banten, Jakarta, West Java, Yogyakarta, East Java, and Riau Islands.

"Indonesia is also on standby. As many as 12 public health laboratories across Indonesia are prepared to perform mpox examination." 

The 12 laboratories are as follows: 

The Ministry of Health has also detailed a set of precautionary measures to take to detect and prevent contracting mpox: 

1. If you experience symptoms of fever and rash, please check yourself into the nearest health service facility. 
2. Comply with health protocols such as avoiding crowds, washing hands with soap or alcohol, and using a mask. 
3. Continue to practise clean and healthy living habits.
4. Abstain from changing sexual partners, especially with ones who show symptoms of mpox such as purulent rash on the skin.

Neighbouring countries such as Singapore and Malaysia have also released advisories and precautionary measures to combat the mpox outbreak. Head over to our respective coverage to for more details.

Infographics / Indonesia's Ministry of Health Facebook