Health Ministry: Those are firearm wounds, not mpox

The Health Ministry has said that a viral message on WhatsApp claiming that mpox has spread to Singapore was fake.

In a statement, the ministry said the image was from a foreign news report on Sept 17, 2022, showing an individual who suffered “wounds” from a firearm which were attributed to shotgun shells.

“Do not be misled by this message. Do not share this message with family members or other chat groups. Refer to official sources on social media,” it added.

Yesterday, Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the government has not planned to implement a vaccination programme for mpox for Malaysians.

“So far, we have not even talked about this vaccine and also if there is, we will fully study the requirements regarding this mpox.

“If we look at the guidelines and also the way of infection, it can be avoided if the individual takes precautions such as by practising personal hygiene and others.

“Usually the symptoms of mpox infection can be seen clearly through physical signs such as spots on the body and the patient can feel the effects,” he added.

Lukanisman said Malaysia is in close contact with all Asean countries to monitor cases of mpox.

“So far, we have not reported any case of mpox. We are liaising with our counterparts from neighbouring countries and we have also increased surveillance at all international entry points.

“So far, there is no restriction imposed at all our entry and exit points. We have also put in place the necessary guidelines to address the issue,” he added.

On Monday, the ministry said it is ramping up surveillance and advocacy activities after the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued its highest alert over the spread of mpox.

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