Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Jakarta administration and Ministry of Health have taken proactive measures to prevent a monkeypox outbreak in Indonesia, especially in Jakarta, following the recent discovery of monkeypox cases. According to Ngabila Salama, the Head of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Immunization Department at the Jakarta Health Office, the government has issued a circular to detect, prevent, and manage potential monkeypox spread. The fatality rate, as reported by antaranews.com, is about 1%. She highlighted that most fatalities result from secondary infections and low immunity in vulnerable groups, including men who have sex with men, pregnant or lactating women, children, and the elderly. In an effort to contain the spread, individuals displaying symptoms and identified as close contacts of patients are required to undergo PCR testing. Positive PCR results will prompt whole genome sequencing for deeper analysis. Any confirmed positive patient, regardless of severity, will be promptly isolated in a hospital setting to break the transmission chain. Further preventive measures include a vaccination campaign aimed at 500 high-risk individuals in Jakarta next week. Health authorities will conduct awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of good hygiene practices, mask-wearing, thorough hand washing, and the avoidance of direct skin contact or injuries. Safe and hygienic sexual intercourse practices are also encouraged, and individuals are advised to abstain from sexual activity if unwell or experiencing symptoms. Monkeypox cases were previously detected in August 2022, and two more cases emerged in October 2023.