PUTRAJAYA: There are 31 suspected cases of mpox or monkey pox in Malaysia as of Monday (Aug 26), of which 25 cases have been confirmed negative while six are still being monitored.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the number of pox cases in Malaysia remained at nine, the first of which was reported on July 26, 2023, and the last in November of the same year.
"From December 2023 right up to this moment in time, we have had no new cases (mpox), he said in a press conference here on Monday.
He told reporters after witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KPJ Healthcare and MCMC. The Communications Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, was also present.
Dzulkefly said the Health Ministery took immediate steps following the increase in cases in neighbouring countries, including Singapore and Thailand. These included more stringent screening at the country's entry points and the activation of 10 laboratories, including two private laboratories and a Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC), that conduct PCR tests for verification purposes.
"We screen visitors not only from these two countries (Singapore and Thailand) but also visitors from abroad, particularly African countries.
"We are also sending more and regular circulars to our public and private health facilities," he said.
On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency of international concern. – Bernama
