Health ministry strengthens entry point checks, health guidelines following WHO mpox emergency update

Monkeypox - DayakDaily file pic. Photo credit: Pixabay

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Aug 18: Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) has ramped up surveillance activities at international entry points and strengthened advocacy efforts following the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) second declaration of mpox (monkeypox) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on Aug 14.

According to national news agency Bernama, the ministry revealed that all travellers arriving in Malaysia who have reported cases of mpox are required to monitor their health daily, specifically for mpox symptoms, for a period of 21 days from their arrival date.

Those exhibiting symptoms such as rashes, especially those with a history of risky activities, must seek medical attention at the nearest health facilities without delay and minimise contact with others to prevent disease transmission.

Meanwhile, medical practitioners across both government and private healthcare sectors are mandated to report any suspected or confirmed cases of mpox to the nearest district health office.

This measure is crucial to ensure effective prevention and control strategies are enacted.

Health professionals can consult the ‘Guidelines on Mpox Management in Malaysia 2023’ available on the MOH’s official website at www.moh.gov.my for detailed information.

Additionally, establishments offering services involving direct skin contact, such as spas and massage parlours, are required to uphold stringent hygiene standards.

Premises must also ensure clean environments and that no customers display mpox symptoms.

“The ministry will continue working with government and non-government agencies, including private hospitals and clinics in monitoring, detecting and tending to mpox clinical cases jointly.

“Mpox was declared as PHEIC for the first time on July 23, 2022 and the status was rescinded on May 11, 2023,” reported Bernama. — DayakDaily