"Health protocols are essential to be implemented not only to stem the spread of COVID-19 but also other diseases, such as monkeypox," the ministry's deputy for coordination of health quality improvement and population development, Agus Suprapto, said when contacted here on Monday.
The health protocols, which include washing hands with soap, maintaining a safe distance, and wearing masks, are part of efforts to prevent the spread of monkeypox, he added.
"The most important thing is that people should not panic," he stressed.
Suprapto said that if people experience monkeypox-like symptoms, they can visit the nearest health facility for confirmation.
In addition, those who have had close contact with monkeypox patients must immediately report to the nearest health facility, he added.
"Currently, the first case of monkeypox has been found in Indonesia. Thus, people must increase their vigilance but not panic," he said.
Related news: Health Ministry announces Indonesia's first monkeypox case
The government will continue to conduct massive dissemination of information and education on monkeypox in order to improve people's understanding and awareness, he informed.
"Dissemination (of information) and education about this disease to the public must continue to be intensified so that the public can understand monkeypox, how to prevent it, how it is transmitted, and how to handle it," he said.
Earlier on Saturday (August 20, 2022), the Ministry of Health announced that Indonesia's first monkeypox infection had been confirmed in a 27-year-old man in Jakarta.
The ministry's spokesperson, Mohammad Syahril, at a virtual press conference on Saturday, reported that the patient recently traveled outside Indonesia and experienced symptoms such as fever and rashes on his body.
In addition, the patient experienced spleen enlargement, he added.
"However, the condition is good, meaning that he is not severely ill, and he has rashes on his face, on the palms of his hands, feet, and some around the genitals," he said.
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Translator: Wuryanti Puspitasari, Raka Adji
Editor: Suharto
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