Monkeypox is a disease originating from the monkeypox virus which was found to attack monkey colonies in 1958. Having symptoms that are quite similar to chickenpox, this disease causes swelling of the lymph nodes ( lymphadenopathy ) and can spread from animals to humans as well as from humans to humans. man. As of 17 August 2022, WHO stated that there were 35,000 cases of monkeypox from 92 countries in the world, and on 20 August 2022, the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) confirmed that there was one positive case of monkeypox in Indonesia.
Here are 5 ways that can be used as a prevention against monkeypox:
- Avoid contact with animals or people who can become reservoirs of the virus
Monkeypox virus can be spread through touch or physical contact with infected animals or people, as well as materials that have been contaminated with the virus. Therefore, avoid direct contact such as touching wounds, hugging, kissing, or having sexual intercourse with monkeypox patients. - Avoid using the same items with monkeypox patients
Apart from avoiding direct physical contact, the transmission of the monkeypox virus can also be avoided by not sharing items with patients. The main items that can be avoided are cutlery such as glasses, spoons, and so on. Touching the beds, towels, and clothes of monkeypox patients is also prohibited, considering that monkeypox can be spread through materials that have been contaminated with the virus. - Wash hands and use hand sanitizer regularly
Washing hands and using disinfectants regularly, especially before eating and touching the face, is expected to minimize bad viruses or bacteria that will enter the body. - Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when you want to make contact with monkeypox patients
If you are required to make contact with monkeypox patients such as for treatment, make sure you use complete personal protective equipment/PPE so you don't contract a similar virus. - Cook food ingredients, especially meat properly and thoroughly
Monkeypox is a type of zoonotic disease originating from animals. Therefore, the process of processing food ingredients, especially meat, must be done properly and cooked thoroughly so that all viruses and bacteria contained in it are completely killed.
Although it can be avoided with the methods above, be sure to visit a doctor at a trusted hospital if you or your closest relative starts to feel some or some of the symptoms of monkeypox such as fever, cough, red eyes, runny nose, loss of appetite, rash or spots on the skin, or hair loss.
The article was written by dr. Hadi Firmansyah, Sp.KK, M.Kes (Skin & Gender Specialist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).