PORTALJABAR, DISTRICT. GARUT - Monkeypox disease is currently a concern because it appears in countries that were not previously endemic areas. The symptoms are divided into two, namely high fever, aches, weakness, headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle aches in the initial phase. After 2 or 3 days, skin abnormalities appear in the form of reddish spots, bruises, and then turn into pus.

"Then after 2 or 3 days, skin abnormalities appeared. At first it was a reddish spot, then a bruise appeared, the bruise turned into pus. Then in how many cases can it burst and a scab like that appears," said the Head of the Skin and Genital Medical Staff Group (KSM). Dr. Hospital Slamet Garut Dr. Hilman Wildan, Wednesday (8/11/2023).

Quoting a report from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, dr. Hilman said that currently there are 34 confirmed cases of Monkeypox in Indonesia, spread across the provinces of West Java, Banten and Jakarta. Transmission is mainly through contact with infected individuals or animals, as well as through breath or droplets.

"And this case was originally found in animals so it can also spread from animals to humans. Although there are case reports that say it can also go from humans to animals too," he said after being a resource person on the Intan Streaming Radio Communication and Solutions Forum (FOKUS) Talkshow Program with the theme "Increasing Awareness of the Dangers of Monkeypox Infectious Disease in Garut Regency".

Dr. Hilman emphasized the need to increase endurance and live a healthy lifestyle as a form of prevention. If someone is suspected of being infected with Monkeypox, it is necessary to take precautions such as using gloves, a mask, and changing clothes immediately after contact.

"So later, if there are cases that are suspected of being monkeypox with the complaints mentioned above, we can immediately take them to a health facility to be checked, and later, even if we check if we suspect it is monkeypox, we will also see whether it is a mild case or someone who has a serious case. it's heavy like that," he said.

Head of the Garut District Health Service, Dr. Leli Yuliani informed that previously she had found one case of suspected Monkeypox in Garut Regency, but after laboratory examination, the results were negative.

Leli also appealed to the public to behave healthily, keep their distance from people who show symptoms of Monkeypox, wash their hands frequently, and avoid sexual relations with people suspected of being infected with this disease.

"And also don't have promiscuous sexual relations, those with multiple partners or those of the same sex, especially men and boys," he said. (Diskominfo Garut/UPI)