Latest Official Update

Indonesia’s Ministry of Health published its Week 39 emerging-infections report on 4 October 2026. The report contains national surveillance data through Epidemiological Week 38, covering 20 to 26 September 2026.

For mpox, authorities recorded 29 suspected cases during that reporting period. Laboratory results listed 23 as positive, five as negative and one as still under examination.

The 23 newly confirmed cases were reported from six provinces. They brought Indonesia’s 2026 total to 184 confirmed mpox cases across eight provinces.

A “suspected” case is someone whose symptoms or exposure history meets a public-health definition for further assessment. It does not mean the person has been confirmed to have mpox.

A confirmed case requires appropriate laboratory evidence. In the Week 38 dataset, 23 of the 29 suspected cases tested positive, five tested negative and one result remained pending at the time of reporting.

The new confirmations were recorded in DKI Jakarta, Banten, Bali, East Java, Yogyakarta and West Java. The cumulative 2026 total covered eight provinces: DKI Jakarta, West Java, Banten, East Java, South Sumatra, Bali, East Kalimantan and Yogyakarta.

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash or skin lesions, fever and swollen lymph nodes, although the combination and severity of symptoms vary.

Many people recover with supportive care, but some develop complications and require medical treatment. Symptoms commonly last two to four weeks.

Anyone can get mpox when exposed. The infection is not confined to one nationality, gender, sexual orientation or community.

A rash is a key sign. Lesions may begin as flat or raised spots before developing into fluid-filled or pus-filled blisters that crust and heal. The rash can appear on the face, hands, feet, mouth, genital or anal areas, and sometimes elsewhere on the body.

Other possible symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes.

Some people develop skin lesions before fever or other symptoms. Others may have only a small number of lesions, so a limited rash should not automatically be dismissed.

Mpox most often spreads through close contact with an infected person. This can include direct skin-to-skin contact with lesions or scabs, intimate or sexual contact and contact with saliva or respiratory secretions during prolonged close interaction.

Transmission can also occur through recently contaminated items such as bedding, towels or clothing. A pregnant person can pass the virus to the baby during pregnancy or around birth.

People with mpox can be infectious until all lesions have crusted, the scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

If you think you had close contact with someone who has mpox, contact a healthcare provider or local health authority for advice. Explain when and how the contact occurred.

Monitor your health for new rash, lesions, fever, swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms. Public-health teams may give specific instructions about monitoring, testing, limiting close contact or vaccination depending on the exposure and local policy.

If symptoms develop, reduce close physical contact with other people, cover lesions where practical, avoid sharing personal items and seek medical advice promptly.

Severe illness can occur in anyone, but the risk may be higher for people with weakened immune systems, pregnant people, young children and people with extensive skin disease or other significant health conditions.

Possible complications include bacterial infection of skin lesions, dehydration, eye involvement, pneumonia and inflammation affecting other organs.

Prompt assessment is especially important if lesions affect the eyes, severe pain cannot be controlled, breathing becomes difficult, confusion develops or the person appears rapidly more unwell.

Risk communication works best when it focuses on behaviours and exposure rather than identities. Anyone who has close contact with an infectious person can acquire mpox.

Useful preventive steps include avoiding close contact with unexplained rashes or lesions, not sharing contaminated personal items, practising good hand hygiene and following local advice on testing, isolation and vaccination.

Stigma can discourage people from seeking care or sharing relevant exposure information. Respectful, factual communication supports earlier diagnosis and better outbreak control.