The Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced that no suspected mpox cases have been identified among the nearly 2.64 million travellers screened at Malaysia's international entry points since August 16. This update underscores the effectiveness of the country's rigorous health screenings and preventive measures aimed at safeguarding the public from the spread of mpox, a virus that has recently been a concern globally.
As of 27th August, 33 suspected cases of mpox were reported at various health facilities across the country. Out of these, 32 cases have been confirmed negative for the virus, while one case is still pending laboratory results. These figures indicate a low incidence of the disease within Malaysia, providing some reassurance to the public and the authorities alike.
To enhance public safety, the Ministry has advised travellers arriving from high-risk countries to monitor their health closely for 21 days following their arrival. This precautionary measure is crucial for early detection and containment of the virus, should any cases arise. The Ministry highlighted that there are currently 13 laboratories equipped to conduct mpox detection tests across the country. This includes eight government laboratories and five private ones, two of which are also capable of performing genetic sequencing to identify virus variants.
In a bid to further strengthen the nation’s preparedness against mpox, the Ministry has engaged in a series of sessions with various ministries, agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These engagements are part of a broader strategy to ensure that all relevant stakeholders are well-informed about their roles in controlling and preventing the spread of the virus. The Ministry has also conducted virtual sessions with the Foreign Ministry and Malaysian diplomatic missions in African countries. These sessions aim to bolster cooperation in gathering and disseminating crucial information to Malaysians residing in those regions, where the virus is more prevalent.
The Ministry also pointed out that the World Health Organization (WHO) has not issued any travel advisories or recommendations for travel restrictions related to mpox. Nevertheless, individuals planning to visit high-risk countries are urged to take preventive measures. These include maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding contact with individuals showing symptoms or with sick animals, seeking medical attention promptly if symptoms appear, and following the guidelines issued by the MoH.
The Ministry emphasized that tackling the mpox threat requires both national and global cooperation, along with a high degree of personal health management. This collective effort is essential to curb the spread of the virus and protect public health. The MoH will continue to collaborate closely with the WHO and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to manage and monitor the mpox situation effectively.
Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on August 14 for the second time, reflecting the ongoing threat posed by the virus. The clade IIb variant of the virus, which began spreading in 2022, continues to be a significant concern, particularly in several African countries. Additionally, the increased transmission of clades Ia and Ib, which are more easily spread, has been observed in Congo and other parts of Africa. Notably, clade Ib has recently been detected outside Africa, with cases reported in Sweden and Thailand, both involving individuals with travel history to Africa.
Mpox primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals. Transmission can occur through direct contact with skin rashes or lesions of an infected person or through exposure to respiratory fluids during intimate contact. As such, public awareness and adherence to preventive measures remain key in preventing the spread of this virus.
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