Malaysia on high alert over mpox

August 20, 2024

PETALING JAYA – Although no new mpox cases have been reported in Malaysia so far this year, the Health Ministry says it is ramping up surveillance and advocacy activities after the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued its highest alert.

The ministry said Malaysian authorities are stepping up surveillance at international entry points and all travellers from countries that have reported mpox cases are required to monitor their health status, including symptoms for 21 days after their arrival in Malaysia.

It also advised people with a history of risky activities or who have symptoms such as rashes and blisters to seek treatment at the nearest health facility immediately and avoid contact with other people to prevent the spread of the virus.

Healthcare personnel at public and private facilities are also required to notify suspected and confirmed cases to their nearest district health office to ensure that prevention and control measures can be implemented.

The ministry also assured the public that there are enough labs for testing and diagnostics.

There are 10 labs, including two private labs, with the capability to conduct PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests to confirm any diagnosis.

The ministry is also increasing awareness activities by distributing materials to high-risk groups and locations, such as spas and saunas.

It said premises offering services that involve skin-to-skin contact with customers such as the aforementioned must always ensure that hygiene is maintained and their employees as well as customers are not experiencing symptoms such as blisters or rashes.

“If an employee or customer experiences symptoms, they should immediately seek medical attention,” the ministry said in a statement yesterday.

It added that it will continue to work with other government agencies and non-government agencies including public hospitals and private hospitals to monitor, detect and treat mpox cases.

It will also continue to monitor the situation within and outside the country.

WHO had declared mpox, previously known as monkeypox, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the second time on Aug 14.

The first PHEIC was declared on July 23, 2022, and ended on May 11, 2023.

“The second declaration was made based on the advice of the IHR (International Health Regulations) Emergency Committee given the spread of the new mpox strain known as clade 1b, which is spreading fast in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring African countries,” it said.

“The increase in cases in Congo is quite significant with 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported in 2024, which is higher than the year prior.

“Apart from that, four countries in East Africa, namely Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, reported mpox cases for the first time,” it added.

Malaysia has recorded nine mpox cases to date since the first case was detected on July 26, 2023, including a case recorded in November that year.

The Health Ministry said all the cases reported had a history of high-risk activities and had recovered with no deaths reported.

Commenting on the latest development, Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, a health economics and public health specialist with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Medicine, said those who had sexual encounters with partners from countries where there are mpox cases, including places where the disease is endemic, should be monitored.

“It can also spread from infected pregnant women to their unborn children.

“Those travelling out to infected countries, especially the United States and African countries, need to be mindful of the risk of contact and infection during sexual activities,” she said.

A total of 99,176 mpox cases, including 208 deaths, were reported worldwide from Jan 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024.