Indonesia expands monkeypox testing capacity

Jakarta, Aug 19 (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Health Ministry has established a network of 12 laboratories nationwide to expedite testing for monkeypox (Mpox).

This initiative aims to strengthen the nation's response to the virus.

According to Acting Director-General of Disease Prevention and Control Yudhi Pramono, these laboratories are located in Medan, North Sumatra; Batam, Riau Islands; Jakarta, Pangandaran, West Java; Yogyakarta, Magelang, Central Java; Surabaya, East Java; Banjarbaru, East Kalimantan; Makassar; and Papua.

Most of these facilities are equipped with the necessary testing reagents, while others are in the process of procurement.

Pramono emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment in curbing Mpox spread.

He urged the public to seek medical attention immediately if experiencing symptoms such as rashes, lesions, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, fatigue, or muscle aches.

Indonesia has confirmed 54 Mpox cases to date, all belonging to the less severe clade IIb variant, as determined by whole genome sequencing (WGS).