Malaysia stays vigilant against monkeypox outbreak

Various prevention measures against monkeypox (mpox) have been put in place although Malaysia has recorded no new cases since December last year, according to Health Minister Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad.

There were 31 suspected cases as of August 26, of which 25 cases were confirmed negative, while six others were being monitored, he said, adding the number of mpox cases in the country remained at 9, with the first reported on July 26, 2023 and the last in November 2023. 

Immediate steps have been taken by the ministry following an increase in mpox cases in neighbouring countries, including Singapore and Thailand, with more stringent screening at the country's entry points, and the activation of 10 laboratories that conduct PCR tests for verification purposes. 

Malaysia stays vigilant against monkeypox outbreak  -0
Malaysian Health Minister Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad (Photo: Bernama)

Besides, the ministry has monitored visitors coming from abroad, particularly African countries. 

Meanwhile, the Philippines has detected two additional new mpox cases, both with MPXV Clade II, the Department of Health (DOH) said on August 26. 

DOH's spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said the new cases include a 37-year-old male and a 32-year-old male from Metro Manila. The 37-year-old is currently confined at a hospital, while the 32-year-old is staying at home waiting for a confirmatory test result of a skin sample. 

With the detection of new mpox cases, the Philippines has recorded 12 cases since July 2022. 

Mpox can be transmitted through close and intimate contact with the infected. The common symptoms of mpox are a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on August 14 declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern./. 

VNA

World

Indonesia, EU to ratify key trade deal soon
World

Indonesia, EU to ratify key trade deal soon

Negotiations on the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) are nearly 90% complete, with the deal expected to be finalised this month, according to Indonesia’s Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan.

Typhoon Yagi claims 15 lives in Philippines
World

Typhoon Yagi claims 15 lives in Philippines

The death toll from flash flooding and landslides caused by Typhoon Yagi and the southwest monsoon in the Philippines has risen to 15, while 15 people been injured and 21 still missing, according to the country's Office of Civil Defence (OCD).

Laos tightens monetary policy to ease inflation
World

Laos tightens monetary policy to ease inflation

The Bank of the Lao PDR is set to further increase interest rate on Lao kip deposits from 10% to 10.5% per year to alleviate inflationary pressures currently affecting the economy, reported the Vientiane Times.

Indonesia identifies target groups of free meal programme
World

Indonesia identifies target groups of free meal programme

Indonesia plans to expand its free meal programme, an initiative of President-elect Prabowo Subianto that is set to be implemented in 2025, to benefit not only school children but also pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers, an official has said.

Floods, landslides kill many in Indonesia, Thailand
World

Floods, landslides kill many in Indonesia, Thailand

At least seven people were killed, two others were injured and some were likely to be missing after flash floods and landslides hit the Indonesian eastern province of Maluku on the morning of August 25, according to the locality’s disaster management and mitigation office.

Malaysia, India step up cooperation across sectors
World

Malaysia, India step up cooperation across sectors

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who freshly concluded a three-day official visit to India, has noted that during the visit, investment commitments totalling 4.5 billion RM were secured from various sectors and companies in the South Asian nation, according to Malaysia’s national news agency Bernama.