By Amar Shah Mohsen
KUALA LUMPUR — Two monkeypox cases have been detected in Selangor last month, the Health Ministry confirmed today.
Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said in total, the country has reported nine cases since July this year, with the capital city recording the highest number with six.
One other case was detected in Sarawak.
“Since July 2023, nine cases have been reported in Malaysia. The first and second were in Kuala Lumpur in July, followed by the third and fourth cases in Selangor in October.
“In November, five other cases were reported involving the fifth in Sarawak and the remaining in Kuala Lumpur,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Eight of the reported cases involved Malaysians, while one was a foreigner, he added.
However, Lukanisman did not provide further details on the cases, including the specific area where they were reported.
He was responding to a question from Jerai MP Sabri Azit on the steps taken by the Health Ministry to ensure the monkeypox disease does not rapidly spread as what was witnessed with the Covid-19 virus.
According to Lukanisman, the ministry has already undertaken various measures to prevent a spread, including monitoring all international entry points in the country, with the cooperation of the Immigration Department.
“Any individuals who are found to have symptoms like rashes on the face and hands will be immediately referred to a health officer for check. If they are suspected of contracting monkeypox, they will be referred to the hospital for treatment.”
He added that foreign students from monkeypox endemic countries or those with an outbreak who enter Malaysia to further their education are required to self-monitor for 21 days to see if they have any signs of the disease.
“Those who are found to be symptomatic will be ordered to get immediate treatment at the nearest health facility,” he said.
Similarly, Lukanisman said Malaysians who are visiting countries with monkeypox cases are advised to take precautionary measures and get immediate treatment if they are suspected of being infected.
He said the ministry is also actively promoting awareness of the disease through various social media platforms.
