Unesa.ac.id, SURABAYA—Monkeypox or what is known as monkey pox is a type of infectious disease which has now recorded 88 cases in Indonesia (data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health). Among these cases, three were confirmed to be in East Java. This attracted attention from lecturers at the Faculty of Medicine (FK) at Surabaya State University (UNESA).
According to the Coordinator of the UNESA Medical Professional Education Study Program, dr. Nieke Andina Wijaya, the public must be aware of this disease. The simplest thing is to know the causes and symptoms as an anticipatory measure.
The FK UNESA lecturer explained that the incubation period for monkeypox or monkeypox is quite long. Clinical symptoms can appear between 4 and 21 days after exposure to the virus. "The initial symptoms of monkeypox are similar to flu or chicken pox, such as fever, headache, back pain, muscle aches, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes," he explained.
After the initial symptoms appear, within a few days they will a rash appears that starts with red spots. Then it will develop into bubbles filled with clear fluid, blisters filled with pus, until finally it becomes a scab that dries up and peels off.
The infection usually lasts between 2 to 4 weeks, and the rash tends to concentrate on the face, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Not only that, it cannot be ruled out that it can also appear in the mouth, genitals and eyes.
Not the Impact of Vaccines
Lecturer and dermatologist and This sex explains that the transmission of monkey pox to humans can occur in various ways. Direct contact with infected animals or humans and through objects contaminated with the virus can make people infected.
"Not due to the Covid-19 vaccine, this virus enters the body through broken or open skin even though the wound is not visible, the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose or mouth," he explained.
Clothing, bedding, towels, or eating utensils that have been contaminated with the virus from an infected person can also infect other people. Although transmission can occur through direct skin-to-skin or mucous membrane contact, including during sex, this disease is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
"This virus can also be found in semen and rectal swabs from patients, which confirms that it can be transmitted through sexual activity, but this is only one of many ways of transmission," he stressed.
Tips to Avoid Transmission
Monkey pox is also a concern for Dr. Rahmantio Adi. Although symptoms are generally mild and can resolve on their own, in some individuals, especially those at high risk, this disease can cause more serious symptoms. Serious complications include secondary skin infections, pneumonia, impaired consciousness, and eye problems.
"In rare cases, monkey pox can cause death, especially in newborns, children, pregnant women, and those who are immunocompromised," he added.
To reduce the risk of contracting monkey pox, Doctor Tio provides several simple tips that can be implemented. First, wash your hands diligently with soap and running water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wash your hands regularly, especially after contact with someone who is infected or with surfaces that may be contaminated.
Secondly, use personal protection such as masks, gloves and eye protection if caring for patients with monkeypox or if there is exposure risk. Then, maintain sanitation in the surrounding environment.
"Perform routine disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, equipment and environments that may be contaminated to prevent the spread of the virus," he added. By following these preventive measures, the risk of contracting monkeypox can be minimized, and the public can help prevent the further spread of the monkeypox virus.[]
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Reporter: Muhammad Dian Purnama
Editor: @zam*
Photo/illustration: Anna Shvets/Pexels.com
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