KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18* — Malaysians traveling to Thailand can rest easy, as the country is not currently deemed a risk for monkeypox (mpox), according to the Kelantan Health Department (JKNK) director. 

Datuk Dr. Zaini Hussin stated that Thailand is not classified as a high-risk nation for the virus. He emphasized that JKNK is collaborating with the Immigration Department to monitor individuals entering through the borders with Thailand. Monitoring is being carried out at various checkpoints, including the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complex (ICQS) at Rantau Panjang and Bukit Bunga. So far, there have been no reports of mpox cases.

Dr. Zaini pointed out that high-risk countries for mpox mainly include African nations, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo. He advised Kelantan residents who have traveled to these high-risk areas to inform JKNK and the Health Ministry (MoH) upon their return for proper monitoring and to help prevent virus spread. He also urged anyone experiencing symptoms to report to the authorities immediately.

Additionally, the MoH confirmed a positive case of the mpox clade II variant in Malaysia. Health Director-General Datuk Dr. Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan reported that the patient, a Malaysian man, began experiencing symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and cough on September 11, followed by a rash on September 12. The individual, who had no recent travel history outside the country, is currently isolated and stable.