The Ministry of Health (MoH) announced today that no suspected cases of mpox have been detected among the nearly 2.64 million travelers screened at the country’s international entry points since August 16.
As of yesterday, 33 suspected mpox cases have been reported at health facilities. Of these, 32 cases have been confirmed negative, and one case is still pending laboratory results.
The MoH advises travelers from high-risk countries to monitor their health for 21 days following their arrival.
The ministry also reported that 13 laboratories, including eight government and five private labs, are equipped to conduct mpox detection tests. Two of these labs can perform genetic sequencing to identify virus variants.
As a precautionary measure, MoH has conducted engagement sessions with various ministries, agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to outline their roles in controlling and preventing mpox. Additionally, virtual sessions have been held with the Foreign Ministry and Malaysian missions in African countries to enhance cooperation and information sharing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has not issued any travel advisories or restrictions related to mpox so far. Therefore, individuals visiting high-risk countries are advised to practice good personal hygiene, avoid contact with symptomatic individuals or sick animals, seek medical attention if symptoms develop, and follow MoH guidelines.
MoH emphasized the need for a coordinated national and global response to address the mpox threat, highlighting the importance of individual self-health management. The ministry will continue working closely with WHO and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to manage the situation.
Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern for the second time on August 14. The virus, particularly the clade IIb variant, began spreading in 2022 and continues to affect several African countries. Increased transmission of clade Ia and clade Ib has been reported in Congo and other African countries, with clade Ib also detected in Sweden and Thailand, linked to travel history in Africa.
Mpox primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals or through direct contact with rashes, lesions, or respiratory fluids of an infected person.
