MOH urged to issue clear guidelines on monkeypox, tighten border

 

The Health Ministry has been urged to issue "clear and specific guidelines" on the new outbreak of monkeypox, which has been detected across several countries.

In a statement, Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii (above) said proper guidelines, including advisory for those who are planning to travel overseas, are crucial to protect the people from the virus and also as precautionary measures to prevent it from spreading into the country.

"As of Saturday, the World Health Organization reported 92 confirmed monkeypox cases and 28 suspected ones in 12 nations as the mysterious spread continues namely in Australia, Canada, United States, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

"More cases are of course likely to be reported as surveillance expands.

"That is why proper guidelines and recommendations must be issued by the Health Ministry, including advising Malaysians who are planning to visit countries affected by the monkeypox outbreak to get vaccinated beforehand to protect themselves against the virus," he added.

Monitoring entry

The Parliament Special Select Committee on Health, Science and Innovation chairperson said the government should also look into tightening its border control and be vigilant to prevent a local outbreak.

This includes monitoring the entry of individuals from countries affected by the outbreak, Yii added.

"The public should also be educated and given guidelines on monitoring monkeypox symptoms, including the need to quarantine to prevent local transmission.

"Those who are experiencing symptoms after returning from the countries involved should be advised to immediately seek medical examination.

"So far, the virus has not been reported in Malaysia so we have to be extra vigilant," he stressed.

While the mortality rate from monkeypox was low and the majority of those infected recovered without complications between two and four weeks, Yii said the virus should not be taken lightly.

The DAP MP's call resonated with the view of public health expert Dr Malina Osman, from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of Universiti Putra Malaysia, who reportedly made a similar call for the ministry to issue guidelines for those who want to travel to countries with monkeypox cases.

MOH issues monkeypox FAQ

The Health Ministry has since released a FAQ (frequently asked questions) on the monkeypox disease which can be accessed from the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre’s Facebook page.

The ministry also shared an infographic on how the disease spreads as well as its symptoms.

The disease is spread through bites or direct contact with bodily fluids from infected animals, droplets from coughing or sneezing or direct contact with contaminated objects or with the rash of those infected.

Among the symptoms of monkeypox includes a maculopapular rash that starts at the face and spreads to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, followed by the other parts of the body.

Symptoms also include fever, fatigue, headaches, body aches, back or joint pain, muscle cramps and swollen lymphatic nodes.

Noting that the monkeypox virus’ incubation period is between six and 21 days, the Health Ministry said patients could experience the symptoms for a period of time between two days and four weeks. - Mkini