KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian has called for vigilance among the public to prevent any spread of the monkeypox virus.
He said people need to inform the health authorities if they notice any symptoms of monkeypox on entering Sarawak.
“And those who happen to come into contact with monkeypox positive cases (from outside the country), need to inform the local authorities on top of undergoing self-quarantine for 21 days,” he said in his social media page today.
According to him, there have been over 2,000 cases of monkeypox infections in the world since January with one death reported in Nigeria.
“In June, unfortunately, Singapore reported one case of monkeypox infection. That is why, we urgently need your help in order to prevent the spread of the virus here,” he added.
As of today, Malaysia has reported zero cases of monkeypox infection.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the incubation period of the said virus is usually from six to 13 days, but in some cases, it can also range from five to 21 days.
“The infection can start with the invasion period, lasting up to five days, when the patient would go down with fever, intense headache, swelling of lymph nodes, back pain, muscle aches, and intense lethargy.
“Skin eruption usually begins within the first three days of fever and the rash tends to appear on the face, palms of the hands and soles on the feet,” it explained.
Last Saturday, WHO stated that the latest monkeypox spread in over 50 countries does not constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the highest level of alert the WHO can issue.
However, looking at the outbreak report, it said that a risk of further, sustained transmission into the wider population should not be overlooked.
