By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Aug 23 — State executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin has urged Selangor residents to avoid high-risk activities and seek medical attention if they exhibit Mpox symptoms.
This is after the World Health Organisation's (WHO) re-declaration of the disease as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
While there has not been a reported case of Mpox in the country since November last year, she advised residents to practice good hygiene, particularly washing hands before touching sensitive body parts, given the virus' ability to survive on surfaces for extended periods.
[caption id="attachment_356086" align="alignright" width="414"]
State executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin speaks during the ESG Activities Strategic Collaboration Ceremony between the state government and KAO Malaysia at Bangunan Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah in Shah Alam on May 9, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
“The Mpox virus can survive on surfaces for extended periods, increasing the risk of infection for those who touch these surfaces, especially if they have open wounds or touch sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth without first washing their hands.
“Individuals with a history of high-risk activities and who show symptoms are advised to undergo screening at the nearest healthcare facility. This screening is crucial to ensure accurate diagnosis and prevent further transmission.
“The Selangor government also advises all individuals planning to visit countries reporting Mpox cases to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid high-risk activities. Additionally, all travellers returning from these countries are advised to monitor their health for 21 days after arriving home,” she said in a statement today.
Earlier this month, the WHO re-declared Mpox a global health emergency following a significant rise in cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring African countries.
The region has reported over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths so far in 2024. The emergence of a new, more transmissible strain of Mpox, known as Clade 1b, has raised concerns about its potential spread to other regions, including Malaysia.
Jamaliah said no new Mpox cases have been reported in Malaysia in 2024, compared to the nine confirmed cases last year.
These cases were linked to individuals who engaged in high-risk activities, with the first case recorded on July 26, 2023, and the last in November. All affected individuals fully recovered, and no deaths were reported.
Mpox, caused by a virus from the Orthopoxvirus genus, presents with symptoms such as fever and maculopapular or vesicular rashes.
The virus has an incubation period of five to 21 days, during which time infected individuals can spread the virus. Transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated surfaces.
The public can access the official Health Ministry’s website for the latest information on Mpox.
