KUCHING: The Ministry of Health (MoH) is urged to come out with clear and specific guidelines on monkeypox for the public including advisory for those intending to travel to destinations that are currently experiencing the outbreaks.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, in a statement yesterday, said the World Health Organisation (WHO) had held an emergency meeting into the alarming spread of the virus around the world.
“As of Saturday (May 21), WHO reports 92 confirmed monkeypox cases and 28 suspected ones in 12 nations, namely, Australia, Canada, United States, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and Israel.
“While majority of infected patients had recovered without complications within two to four weeks, we should still take it seriously. More cases are, of course, likely to be reported as surveillance expands.
“Hence, proper guidelines and recommendations must be issued by MoH including advising Malaysians who are planning to visit countries affected by the monkeypox outbreaks to get vaccinated beforehand to protect themselves against the virus,” he said, adding that the government must be pro-active in this matter.
Dr Yii, who is also the Health, Science and Innovation Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) chairman, said WHO guidelines recommended getting the existing small pox vaccine or even chickenpox vaccine, which was said to be 85 per cent effective against monkeypox.
At the same time, the government should also look into ways to intensify control at the country’s borders, including monitoring the entry of individuals from countries affected by the outbreask.
In order to build strong public confidence and not cause any unnecessary panic, he suggested that the public be given all the necessary guidelines, advisory and recommendations so that they wee better educated and informed on the important issue.
“The public should also be educated and given guidelines on monitoring monkeypox symptoms, including, if needed, quarantine period to prevent local transmission.
“Those experiencing symptoms after returning from the identified countries, should be advised to immediately seek medical examination.
“So far, the virus has not been reported in Malaysia. But we have to be extra vigilant,” he explained.
Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease which can be transmitted to humans through close contact with body fluids such as saliva, nasal mucus and phlegm.
It can cause symptoms including fever, aches and presents with a distinctive bumpy rash.
