Health ministry tests 31 for mpox

 

Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry has ramped up mpox screening at the country’s entry points. (AP pic)

PUTRAJAYA: 

The health ministry has tested 31 people for mpox as of today, of which 25 cases were confirmed negative and six are still being monitored.

Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said Malaysia has reported nine mpox cases in total, the first of which was reported on July 26, 2023, and the last in November 2023. 

From December 2023, we have had no new cases,

 he said in a press conference here today.

Dzulkefly said the ministry took immediate steps following reports of an increase in cases in Thailand and Singapore.

He said this included more stringent screening at the country’s entry points and the activation of 10 laboratories to conduct PCR tests, including two private laboratories as well as a crisis preparedness and response centre.

We are also sending more, and regular, circulars to our health facilities, both public and private,

 he said.

On Aug 14, the World Health Organization declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern. - FMT