PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has 13 laboratories capable of conducting mpox detection tests, says the Health Ministry.

“These are eight government laboratories and five private ones,” it said, adding that two have the capacity for genetic sequencing to identify virus variants.

The ministry also said there had been 33 suspected cases of mpox relayed to the health facilities as of Tuesday.

Out of these, 32 had been confirmed negative. The other one is awaiting lab results.

According to the ministry, nearly 2.64 million travellers have been screened for mpox symptoms at international entry points from Aug 16 to Tuesday.

“So far, no suspected cases of mpox have been detected.

“Travellers from high-risk countries are advised to self-monitor their health for a period of 21 days from the date of arrival,”

it said in a statement yesterday.It added that mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on Aug 14 following its spread.

“The transmission of the clade IIb virus began in 2022 and continues to this day, including in several African countries.”According to the ministry, the increasing spread of clade Ia and clade Ib mpox of late has affected the Democratic Republic of Congo and other countries in Africa due to their higher transmissibility.

The ministry also noted that the clade Ib strain was detected in Sweden on Aug 16 and in Thailand on Aug 21, adding that both instances involved individuals with travel history to Africa.

“Given the current situation involving neighbouring countries, Malaysia is also at risk,” it added.

As such, it said engagement sessions have been held with various ministries, agencies and non-governmental organisations about their roles in controlling and preventing mpox infections.

“Virtual sessions have also been held with the Foreign Ministry and Malaysian representatives in African countries to consolidate efforts to gather and deliver information to Malaysians in these regions.

“We have also communicated mpox-related information to the public through various channels such as mass media and social media.

“Preparedness needs to be further heightened to face any mpox infection situation,” it added.

The ministry also said human transmission usually occurs through close contact with an infected person.

“Infection can take place through direct physical contact with rashes or blisters on the skin of someone with symptoms of mpox or exposure to respiratory fluids during intimate contact,” it said.

The ministry advised high-risk individuals experiencing symptoms of mpox such as fever, swollen lymph nodes and rashes or blisters to seek help at health facilities.

Although the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not issued any advisories on travel restrictions, the ministry said that those visiting high-risk countries should take preventative measures.

These measures include practising personal hygiene, avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals or sick animals, seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms develop and complying with the guidelines issued by the ministry from time to time.

“As evidenced by Malaysia and other countries successfully overcoming past outbreaks, the mpox threat must be addressed through a whole-of-nation and whole-of-planet approach, along with high self-health controls by every individual.

“The ministry will continue to work closely with WHO and Asean to manage the mpox situation,” it added.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/29/ministry-13-labs-equipped-to-test-for-virus