PETALING JAYA: A total of 13 laboratories are capable of conducting mpox detection tests, says the Health Ministry.
"These are eight government laboratories and five private ones and two have the capacity for genetic sequencing to identify virus variants," it said.
The ministry added in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 28) that as of Tuesday (Aug 27) there have been 33 suspected cases of mpox reported at health facilities.
Out of these, 32 have been confirmed negative, while one is still awaiting lab results.
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It added that from August 16 to Tuesday, nearly 2.64 million travelers have been screened for mpox symptoms at international entry points.
"So far, no suspected cases of mpox have been detected. Travelers from high-risk countries are advised to self-monitor their health for a period of 21 days from the date of arrival," added the ministry.
It said that mpox has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the second time on August 14, 2024 following its spread.
"The transmission of the clade IIb virus began in 2022 and continues to this day, including in several African countries," said the ministry.
It added that the recently increasing spread of clade Ia and clade Ib mpox has significantly impacted the Democratic Republic of Congo and other countries in Africa due to their higher transmissibility.
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The ministry then said that the clade Ib strain was detected outside of Africa in Sweden on Aug 16 and in Thailand on Aug 21 and added that both instances involved individuals with travel history to Africa.
"Given the current situation and involving neighbouring countries, Malaysia is also at risk," said the ministry.
It added that in order to prepare, the ministry has held engagement sessions with various ministries, agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to inform them of their roles in controlling and preventing mpox infections.
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"Virtual sessions have also been held with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Malaysian representatives in African countries to consolidate efforts to gather and deliver information to Malaysians in these regions," said the ministry.
"We have also communicated mpox-related information to the public through various channels such as mass media and social media. Preparedness needs to be further heightened to face any mpox infection situations," it added.
The ministry then said that human transmission usually occurs through close contact with an infected person.
"Infection can take place through direct physical contact with rashes or blisters on the skin of someone with symptoms of mpox or exposure to respiratory fluids during intimate contact," it said.
The ministry then said that high-risk individuals experiencing symptoms of mpox such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes/blisters are to seek examination at nearby health facilities.
It then said that while the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not issued any advisories on travel restrictions, those visiting high-risk countries should take preventative measures.
These measures include practicing personal hygiene, avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals or sick animals, seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms develop, and complying with guidelines issued by the ministry from time-to-time.
"As evidenced by Malaysia and other countries successfully overcoming past outbreaks, the mpox threat must be addressed through a whole-of-nation and whole-of-planet approach, along with high self-health controls by every individual," said the ministry
"The ministry will continue to work closely with the WHO and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to manage the mpox situation," it added.
