A Facebook account made a status by uploading a video narrating the benefits of consuming Spirulina to prevent transmission of monkeypox.Prevent monkeypox by regularly consuming spirulina, only atomy spirulina which is 100% pure spirulina....contains 120 capsules, 2 capsules are enough to meet our daily needs....only sold on Atomy web shopping, original products made in Korea..The video posted on the Facebook status on July 25, 2022, shows the packaging that reads 'Atomy 100% Pure Spirulina, 100% Pure Spirulina Containing natural chlorophyll'.On the other side of the package is written 'traditional medicine and the composition contained therein'.Screenshot of the video circulating on Facebook saying that Spirulina can prevent contracting monkeypoxThe Tempo Fact Check team found that there was no treatment or drug specifically approved to prevent monkeypox virus infection.Based on the BPOM Product Check, Atomy 100% Pure Spirulina, registered with the code TI214305341, dated January 21, 2021. Based on the online registration, Pure Spirulina products are categorized as traditional medicines.This traditional medicine was imported by PT Atomy Indonesia INC, DKI Jakarta from Kolmar BHN CO., LTD.Eumseong Factory, South Korea.In its official website, KOLMAR BNH is a cosmetics manufacturer that since its establishment in 1990. This company provides cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and health food services.Researcher at the Center for Public Health Research at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Dr.Masdalina Pane, said that products made from spirulina or algae are not an antiviral or for monkeypox therapy.Several studies have shown that spirulina has more function in boosting the immune system.Also demonstrated a significant effect of spirulina supplementation in reducing plasma cholesterol concentrations."So Spirulina is more suitable for nutrition, not for therapy, especially in the case of monkeypox," said Masdalina when contacted by Tempo, Wednesday, July 27, 2022.Masdalina, who is also a researcher at the Indonesian Association of Epidemiologists, confirmed that a specific antiviral for monkeypox had not been found.Monkeypox treatment is still symptomatic, namely treatment that aims to reduce complaints or symptoms regardless of the main disease that causes the complaint."In the case of monkeypox, symptomatic according to the symptoms that appear.If the fever is given antipyretics, if the pain is given antipyretics.And actually this disease can heal itself without the help of viral drugs," he said.Reported by the US Department of Health & Human Services (CDC) page on Medical Management for the Treatment of Monkeypox, it is stated that there is currently no approved treatment specifically for monkeypox virus infection.However, based on the recommendations of the US Food and Drug Administration, an antiviral developed for use in smallpox patients has proven useful against monkeypox.The US Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) also recommends the use of antivirals by medical personnel, such as Tecovirimat, VIGIV, Cidofovir, and Brincidofovir.Meanwhile, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), in an observational study smallpox vaccination was 85% effective in preventing monkeypox (monkeypox).The smallpox vaccination a person receives can help relieve symptoms.Reported by the Indonesian Ministry of Health, monkeypox can be prevented by implementing clean and healthy living behaviors, such as washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.Then avoid direct contact with rats or primates and do not consume meat that is not cooked properly.Some tips for preventing and handling monkeypox according to WHO:1. Limit close contact with people with suspected or confirmed monkeypox, or with animals that could be infected.2. Clean and disinfect environments that could be contaminated with viruses from someone who infects them on a regular basis.3. Keep yourself informed about monkeypox in your area and have open conversations with people who have close contact (especially sexual contact) about any symptoms you or they have.The following steps can be taken if infected with monkeypox:1. If you think you have monkeypox, you can act to protect others by seeking medical advice and isolating yourself from others until evaluated and tested.2. If you have monkeypox or confirmed, you should isolate yourself from others until all of your lesions have hardened, the scab has come off and a new layer of skin has formed underneath.This will stop you from transmitting the virus to others.3. Get advice from your health care provider about whether you should isolate at home or in a health facility.4. Use a condom as a precaution during sexual contact for 12 weeks after you have recovered.Based on the fact check, the Tempo Fact Check Team concluded that the claim that monkeypox could be prevented by regularly consuming spirulina was false.Currently, there are no treatments or drugs specifically approved for monkeypox virus infection.Based on research, smallpox vaccination has been proven to be 85% effective in preventing monkeypox.** Have information or a claim you'd like to fact check?Contact our ChatBot.