PENDANG, June 2 — Individuals who arrive at the country’s entry points via Kedah will be screened to detect those at risk of being infected by monkeypox.
Health and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mohd Hayati Othman said it is a precautionary measure just in case there are any reports of tourists at risk of being infected by the disease.
“So far we have yet to receive any reports from countries with cases of the disease. The disease was detected first in Africa and spared to several countries in Europe, so these countries do control infected individuals who wish to travel, even though our country has such controls.
“If any infected tourist leaves their country, we will conduct screenings at entry points, including taking blood samples to detect any signs of monkeypox,” he told reporters after officiating the 2022 Kedah Local Authorities Sports Championship at Dewan Cenderawasih here today.
Dr Mohd Hayati added they have also advised prospective haj pilgrims to be careful and avoid being infected by monkeypox while performing the haj.
“I advise pilgrims not to have direct contact with pilgrims from other countries, we hope none of our country’s pilgrims will be infected because we know pilgrims come from all across the world,” Dr Mohd Hayati said.
Meanwhile, he stated that although the cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Kedah rose to 3,403 cases, the situation was still under control.
“We treat with water intake, as HFMD isn’t as serious as COVID-10, children with HFMD are always quarantined for 14 days and will recover on their own,” Dr Mohd Hayati said when asked about the matter.
— Bernama
