The Indonesian Ministry of Health is strengthening health screening procedures for international tourists and foreign nationals, including state guests, to prevent the spread of the monkeypox virus (Mpox), which has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Acting Director General of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health, Yudhi Pramono, explained to the press on Sunday, 18th of August, that all foreigners entering Indonesia are now required to complete a questionnaire detailing their medical history, recent contact activities, and most recent travel destinations. With this questionnaire, the Indonesian government aims to be better prepared in case any undesirable situations arise.
“By mapping the [foreigners’] countries of origin, we will have sufficient data. If they are unwell, they are advised not to continue their trip,” Pramono stated.
So far, the Ministry of Health has categorised the general situation of Mpox in Indonesia this year as improving compared to the previous year’s data. Based on data from the Ministry of Health spanning from January to August this year, Indonesia has recorded 14 confirmed cases of Mpox and 74 suspected cases that were later ruled out. Previously, in 2023, there were 73 confirmed cases of Mpox and 240 suspected cases.
Despite WHO declaring the spread of Mpox a global health emergency, the organisation has not yet mandated restrictions on international travel or vaccinations. Nonetheless, Pramono emphasised that Indonesia should remain vigilant.
“In addition, the incubation period can be up to 34 days [from exposure to symptoms], so we need to maintain vigilance at all entry points to our country,” he added.
In the latest WHO report dated 15th of August 2024, Sweden became the first country outside Africa to confirm a case of Mpox from the Clade 1b strain in a person with a history of travel to Central Africa. Mpox Clade 1b is responsible for the increasing cases of Mpox in African countries this year; this variant is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and has a higher fatality rate than Mpox Clade 2b. WHO declared the spread of Mpox a global health emergency on the 14th of August 2024.