By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Sept 18 — The state government is taking prompt action to identify and manage instances of the mpox virus in Malaysia, said state executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin.
This comes after the Health Ministry (MOH) detected one positive case of the mpox clade II variant on Monday (September 16).
” This brings the total number of cases in Malaysia to 10, all of which are from clade II since the first case was reported on 26 July 2023.
“In light of this, the state government wishes to affirm its full commitment to addressing the spread of this disease,” she said in a statement today.
Several of the measures currently being taken include enhancing early case detection through strengthening surveillance systems at health facilities in Selangor.
“Secondly, the state government is strengthening mpox case management through regular briefings and continuing medical education programmes at the district and state levels in Selangor.
“Thirdly, the state government is providing ongoing health education to the public to raise awareness and preventive measures,” she said.
As the fourth step, Jamaliah will work closely with the Selangor State Health Department (JKNS) to update the current mpox situation regularly and formulate proactive measures and prevention strategies to control the spread of cases, if necessary.
She advised individuals at risk and experiencing symptoms, including rashes and skin blisters, to undergo an examination at the nearest health facility without delay.
“Avoid direct contact with others if unnecessary, especially those suspected or confirmed to be infected with mpox, and practise public health measures to prevent the spread of mpox infection.
“The public can also access the MOH’s website and official social media accounts to obtain the latest information on mpox,” Jamaliah said.
She added that the state government advises all individuals planning to visit countries reporting mpox cases to always take precautionary measures and practise self-health control.
“In addition, all travellers returning from these countries are advised to monitor their health for 21 days after arriving in Malaysia.
“The state government will continue to cooperate with JKNS to monitor the mpox situation domestically and internationally, and any further updates will be announced in due course,” Jamaliah said.
The re-declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organisation on August 14 was based on a significant increase in mpox cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring countries in the African region.
Mpox is an infection caused by a virus under the genus Orthopoxvirus. The main symptoms include fever and a maculopapular or blister-like rash that can appear on the body. The incubation period, which is the time from exposure to the virus until symptoms appear, ranges from five to 21 days.
Infected individuals can spread the virus to others a day before experiencing symptoms and until all blisters on the skin have fully dried. However, mpox is not easily spread unless there is close contact with an infected individual.
Transmission from an infected person to others can occur through direct contact with the rash or blisters on the symptomatic person’s skin, through sexual contact; or from surfaces or objects contaminated by the bodily fluids of an mpox patient.
Transmission through respiratory droplets can also occur but only to individuals in close, prolonged face-to-face contact.
The MOH advises the public to take steps such as seeking examination and treatment at the nearest health facility if symptomatic, avoiding contact with others known or suspected to be infected with mpox, and practising personal health control measures including washing their hands with soap and water or using hand sanitiser.
