"In Indonesia, there are more cases of the Clade IIB variant; these can be treated and the fatality rate is very low. All those who are infected can recover, so there is no need to worry, especially because there is already a vaccine for it," he explained.
According to government data, Indonesia has recorded 88 Mpox cases since 2022. The figure increased in 2023, before declining in 2024.
"In 2024, there may be around 12–14 cases, and there have been no more recently. Yesterday, there was one suspected case, but now it is still being further examined," Sadikin informed.
Acting head of the ministry's communication and public service bureau, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, previously stated that mass vaccinations for Mpox would not be necessary in Indonesia, based on the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO).
"It is not necessary because WHO has not recommended it," she added.
She further explained that the vaccine is currently being prioritized for groups at risk of exposure to the virus.
She added that Indonesia still has sufficient Mpox vaccines for this year, so there is no urgency to add more.
The WHO has recommended "targeted vaccinations" to combat Mpox.
According to her, stopping the spread of Mpox would be easier compared to dealing with COVID-19.
Related news: Jakarta records 59 mpox cases from October 2023 to August 2024
Related news: Govt tightens inspection for foreigners entering Indonesia due to Mpox
Translator: Lintang Budiyanti Prameswari, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
