Monday, 26 Aug 2024 3:12 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 26 — Malaysia currently has 31 suspected mpox (monkeypox) cases. Of these, 25 have been confirmed as negative, and six are still under observation.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reported that the total number of confirmed mpox cases in Malaysia remains at nine, with the first case reported on July 26, 2023, and the last in November 2023.

“Since December 2023, we have not had any new mpox cases,” he said during a press conference today.

He spoke after attending the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KPJ Healthcare and MCMC. Minister of Communications Fahmi Fadzil was also present.

Dzulkefly noted that the Ministry of Health has implemented strict measures due to rising cases in neighboring countries like Singapore and Thailand. These measures include enhanced screening at entry points, activation of 10 PCR testing labs (including two private ones), and the establishment of a Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC).

“We are also focusing on visitors from abroad, especially from African countries, and are sending regular updates to both public and private health facilities,” he added.