Although no new mpox cases were reported in Malaysia in 2024, the Health Ministry claimed it is increasing surveillance after the World Health Organization (WHO) issued its highest alert.
Malaysian officials are increasing surveillance at international entrance points, and all passengers from countries with reported MPOX cases must monitor their health for 21 days after arriving in Malaysia.
To prevent the virus from spreading, the ministry recommends anyone with a history of dangerous activities or who has symptoms such as rashes and blisters to seek quick medical attention and avoid contact with others.
Healthcare staff in both public and private establishments must notify their nearest district health office of suspected and confirmed cases so that preventative and control actions can be implemented.
The government assured the public that there are adequate labs for testing and diagnoses. There are ten labs, including two private labs, that can perform PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests to confirm diagnoses.
The ministry is also raising awareness by giving materials to high-risk populations and settings, such as spas and saunas.
It stated that premises that provide services that require skin-to-skin contact with consumers must always maintain hygiene and ensure that neither personnel nor customers get symptoms such as blisters or rashes.
"If an employee or customer experiences symptoms, they should immediately seek medical attention," said the ministry, as reported by The Straits Times.
It also stated that it will continue to collaborate with other government and non-government institutions, including public and private hospitals, to monitor, detect, and treat MPOX cases.
It will also continue to monitor the situation both inside and outside the country.
On August 14, the World Health Organization designated monkeypox, also known as mpox, a global public health emergency for the second time.
The first public health emergency of international concern, or PHEIC, was proclaimed on July 23, 2022, and will terminate on May 11, 2023.
WHO stated that the second declaration was made based on the advice of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee in light of the new MPOX strain known as clade 1b, which is rapidly spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring African nations.
"There is a huge increase in instances in Congo, with 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported in 2024, up from the previous year.
"Apart from that, four countries in East Africa, namely Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, reported MPOX cases for the first time," said WHO.
Malaysia has recorded nine MPOX cases since the first case was discovered on July 26, 2023, with one occurring in November.
Reference: The Straits Times
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