Batam, Batamnews.co.id - The Health Department (Dinkes) of the Kepulauan Riau (Kepri) Province has confirmed the presence of a monkeypox case in the city of Batam, Kepulauan Riau Province.

Muhammad Bisri, the head of the Kepri Provincial Health Department, revealed that this case has received serious attention from the Port Health Office (KKP) and the Batam City Health Department.

According to Bisri, samples from the case have been taken to determine whether the disease has spread and to implement necessary preventive measures. "Samples have been taken to ascertain whether it has spread and to prevent further transmission," he stated on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

Bisri explained that the individual infected with monkeypox is an adult. He suspects that the transmission of this disease was caused by the person's travel outside the Kepri area.

"In this case, fever is one of the primary symptoms of monkeypox. The patient will also experience the development of fluid-filled blisters on the body and face," detailed Bisri.

Other symptoms that may appear include fever for one to three days, followed by a rash on the face, legs, and hands.

The Kepri Health Department head emphasized that monkeypox can be transmitted through touch. However, he also reassured the public by stating that airborne transmission is unlikely. "Monkeypox can be transmitted through touch. It is unlikely to spread through the air, and it can also be caused by animals. The important thing is to wash hands," he concluded.

Authorities, along with medical teams, continue to take preventive measures and monitor the situation to ensure that this case does not develop further and does not spread to the wider community.