The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Monkeypox Virus (Mpox) a global public health emergency, or Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), in mid-August.
This declaration follows an increase in cases caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and several countries in Africa.
The latest variant of Mpox (clade 1b) has even been detected in Southeast Asia. This variant is believed to be more aggressive and capable of spreading quickly.
Dr. Eggi Arguni, a researcher at the UGM Center for Tropical Medicine (PKT UGM), stated that a lockdown similar to that of the COVID-19 pandemic is unlikely.
She explained that the differences between Mpox and COVID-19 are significant.
While anyone can potentially contract COVID-19, Mpox primarily affects specific groups at higher risk of infection.
“Lockdowns are implemented to prevent mass transmission of infections, such as COVID-19,” she said.
Dr. Arguni urged the public to visit the nearest healthcare facilities if they experience symptoms of Mpox.
He assured that health centers or hospitals have established protocols for examination.
“If patients meet the criteria for suspicion, samples will be taken and tested in the laboratory,” she said.
She also stressed the need for government surveillance and encouraged travelers to fill out the Satu Sehat Health Pass.
“This is all aimed at helping the government identify any cases or suspects of Mpox,” she added.
Regarding the symptoms of Mpox, the pediatrician at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital noted that Mpox begins with symptoms similar to other viral infections, such as fever, fatigue, body aches, and headaches.
Subsequently, skin lesions appear on the face, palms, and feet a few days later.
“These lesions appear as red spots, which then develop into raised areas filled with clear fluid. This fluid eventually becomes cloudy and dries, leaving behind marks often referred to as scabs,” she explained.
There are two types of Mpox transmission. Initially, Mpox is a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans.
Over time, Mpox can spread from human to human without animal intermediaries.
Transmission can occur directly through droplets expelled when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or shouts.
“Mpox can also be transmitted directly through sexual contact, whether oral, vaginal, or anal,” she said.
Additionally, Mpox can be transmitted indirectly through intermediaries.
Dr. Arguni provided an example of droplets from an infected person falling and sticking to nearby objects, which others then touch.
The virus can spread if those hands subsequently touch the mouth, nose, or eyes. Sharing eating utensils can also facilitate transmission.
“Because transmission occurs through droplets, using masks and washing hands with soap are effective measures to prevent transmission,” she added.
Vaccination, using components similar to those in the variola vaccine, is necessary to prevent the mass spread of the disease.
However, unlike the COVID-19 vaccine, the Mpox vaccine is not administered en masse to the general population.
“The Mpox vaccine is only given to specific populations, particularly those at risk,” explained Dr. Arguni.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Lintang
Images: Freepik