Malaysia on High Alert Following WHO’s Mpox Warning

By Subaashinee Kupusamy,

PETALING JAYA, 19 August: Malaysia’s Health Ministry is intensifying surveillance and awareness efforts after the World Health Organization (WHO) issued its highest alert for mpox.

Although no new cases have been reported in Malaysia this year, authorities are closely monitoring travellers from affected countries and urging those with symptoms like rashes or blisters to seek immediate medical attention.

The ministry assures that there are sufficient testing facilities, with 10 labs capable of conducting PCR tests. Awareness campaigns targeting high-risk groups and locations, such as spas and saunas, are being ramped up to prevent the virus’s spread.

WHO declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to a new strain, clade 1b, spreading rapidly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring African nations. Over 99,000 cases and 208 deaths have been reported globally since January 2022.

Malaysia has recorded nine mpox cases since July 2023, all of which recovered without fatalities. The Health Ministry continues to work with other agencies to monitor, detect, and treat any new cases while keeping the public informed as stated in The Star.