KUALA LUMPUR: The Veterinary Services Department and Health Ministry have been urged to act swiftly to determine the possible presence of the monkeypox virus in the animal population in Malaysia.

Former deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye made the call as there was a need to take extra precautions amid the emerging monkeypox outbreaks reported in countries such as Portugal, United States, Spain, Sweden, Canada and Australia.

"We have to definitely be wary and keep an eye on developments abroad. Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease which is endemic in the animal population in western and central Africa.

"The virus hosts are animals which can be transmitted to humans and possibly to other humans by close contact. However, the risks are low and unless there are new variants and changes in infection patterns. 

"If infected, it can be serious and up to three to five per cent of cases are fatal. Of course, there are treatments available where medication for smallpox can be administered to monkeypox patients.

"The authorities need to move fast because if there is an infection detected among our animal population, it can lead to serious health problems," he told the New Straits Times.

Dr Lee advised those who have come in contact with animals, especially monkeys, to monitor themselves for symptoms as well as travellers returning from endemic areas.

Epidemiologist Dr Malina Osman said the monkeypox virus is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae, in which spread in the communities abroad was more due to close contact through respiratory droplets or sharing personal belongings.

"The transmission is similar to measles, chicken pox and therefore, the prevention is similar.

"In general, we have to cautiously guard the main entries of our country. There should also be continuous surveillance, and the public should be alert, particularly those travelling to outbreak areas.

"There is a possible incidence of it but the risk may be too small," she added.

She advised those heading to countries with the outbreaks to be on alert and avoid possible social interactions with unknown crowds, take good care of their personal hygiene and ensure they are in the best of health.

Travellers can also consider getting immunisation to protect themselves, she said.

"Vaccines against smallpox have been said to be equally effective at preventing monkeypox. Monkeypox is less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illness.

"Newer vaccines have been developed, of which, one has been approved for prevention of monkeypox.

"But from my observation, I am unsure whether it is available in Malaysia. An antiviral agent developed for the treatment of smallpox has also been licensed for the treatment of monkeypox," said Dr Malina.

Former health deputy director-general (medical) Professor Datuk Dr Rohaizat Yon said Malaysia has to be alert on the emergence of monkeypox overseas and cannot be complacent.

"This needs to be tackled immediately. I am sure the ministry as well as the relevant authorities are analysing, monitoring and assessing data as well as the situation in other countries," he said, adding that equal attention should be given to other endemics in the country such as dengue.