The Indonesian Health Ministry has designated 12 state laboratories across the country to enhance early detection of Mpox, in a bid to prevent any potential outbreak, according to an official statement on August 18, Jakarta Globe reports. The laboratories are located in major cities around the country on all of Indonesia's main islands.

In response to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) declaration of Mpox as a global health emergency, Indonesia has also implemented strict health screening measures for foreign visitors. Travellers are required to disclose their medical history and recent travel activities by filling out forms at entry points. Yudhi, a health ministry official, emphasised that travellers displaying symptoms of illness are advised against continuing their journey within Indonesia.

In 2023, Indonesia reported 73 cases of Mpox, all of which were non-fatal. The 2022 global Mpox outbreak, which affected over 70 countries, was largely contained within months due to effective vaccination programmes and the availability of treatments for at-risk populations in wealthier nations. However, the majority of current Mpox cases are in Africa, with 96% of cases and deaths occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the health system is already severely strained by malnutrition, cholera, and measles outbreaks.

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, primarily spreads through close skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals or contaminated items such as clothing or bedding. The disease often manifests as visible skin lesions, which may deter close contact and help limit the spread.

Indonesia's proactive measures, including the establishment of specialised laboratories and enhanced traveller screening, are crucial steps in preventing a widespread outbreak of Mpox in the country.