SHAH ALAM –Smallpox virus has mostly been confined to developing countries for years but it has spread across Europe and the US in recent months.
The pathogen typically causes flu-like symptoms, followed by a rash that often starts on the face and spreads down the belly. The illness often lasts for two weeks to a month and can be deadly.
However, there are concerns that the outbreak may reinforce the monkeypox virus to become a global health threat after Covid-19. Monkeypox cases has been reported to be occasionally more severe, with some deaths reported in West Africa.
Monkeypox spreads when someone comes into close contact with another person, animal or material infected with the virus. The virus can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract or through the eyes, nose and mouth.
No cases of monkeypox has been reported in Malaysia yet but fears grow as neighbouring Singapore reported 8 cases so far.
Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, the health director-general said the ministry is keeping a close eye on the development of monkeypox cases based on reports from the World Health Organisation and has been conducting surveillance on suspected viral zoonosis cases entry points.
In a statement, he added the ministry is also working with the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) and the wildlife department to monitor any signs of monkeypox within animals, especially those imported from African and European continents.
He further cautioned cautioned those travelling to Central and West Africa or any other countries with monkeypox cases to be cautious.