The Ministry of Health has officially confirmed two cases of monkeypox in Selangor last month. Deputy Health Minister, Lukanisman Awang Sauni revealed that a total of nine cases have been reported in the country since July 2023, with Kuala Lumpur recording the highest number at six cases, and one case detected in Sarawak.
Lukanisman, in Dewan Rakyat provided a breakdown of the reported cases, stating, “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.”
However, specific details about the cases, including the exact locations where they were reported, were not disclosed by the Deputy Health Minister.
The Health Ministry has implemented various measures to curb the spread of monkeypox, including monitoring all international entry points with the collaboration of the Immigration Department. Lukanisman emphasized that individuals displaying symptoms such as rashes on the face and hands will be promptly referred to health officers for evaluation. If monkeypox is suspected, patients will be directed to hospitals for immediate treatment.
Foreign students entering Malaysia from countries with endemic monkeypox or ongoing outbreaks are required to self-monitor for 21 days. Any signs of the disease during this period will lead to immediate referral for treatment at the nearest health facility.
Malaysians traveling to countries with reported monkeypox cases are advised to exercise precautionary measures. In case of suspected infection, individuals are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention.
The Health Ministry is actively promoting awareness of monkeypox through various social media platforms as part of its efforts to keep the public informed about preventive measures and early detection.
As the situation develops, health authorities continue to closely monitor and respond to cases to ensure the effective management and containment of monkeypox in Malaysia.
