People should know about monkeypox's clinical symptoms, so that they can report to the nearest health facilities if they find signs that point to monkeypox symptoms
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture urged the public to have knowledge of monkeypox symptoms following discovery of the first case of the disease in Indonesia.

"People should know about monkeypox's clinical symptoms, so that they can report to the nearest health facilities if they find signs that point to monkeypox symptoms," Ministry's official, Agus Suprapto, noted.

The symptoms of monkeypox included fever that reached more than 38 degrees Celsius and the appearance of rash after one to three days or even more, he told ANTARA here on Wednesday.

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"After it emerges, the development of rash starts from its first emergence until the late recovery phase that can reach three to four weeks," he elaborated.

In addition, rash can develop, starting from the head, face, arm, hand, and feet, but it is usually more concentrated on the face and arm, he noted.

"If you feel these symptoms or if you have family members that experience these symptoms, you should immediately visit the nearest health facilities to confirm whether it is monkeypox with further examination," he remarked.

The public's active role will support the efforts to control the spread of monkeypox within the country, he said.


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Earlier, Suprapto also urged the public to bolster the implementation of health protocols to prevent the spread of monkeypox.

"Health protocols are very important to be followed not just to prevent the spread of COVID-19 but also other diseases, such as monkeypox," he noted.

The implementation of health protocols involves washing hands with soap, maintaining distance, and wearing mask as one of the efforts to prevent the spread of monkeypox.

"Currently, the first case of monkeypox in Indonesia has been found. Hence, the people should bolster their awareness, but they cannot panic," he remarked.


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Translator: Wuryanti P, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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