DUNGUN: The government screened 1.8 million travellers for mpox at all the country's entry points between Aug 16 and 22.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the screenings were implemented following the activation of the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC).
"We initiated the screenings and activated the CPRC after the World Health Organisation declared mpox an international health emergency.
"The screenings check for travellers showing mpox symptoms," he said after the Dungun Hospital project handover ceremony today.
At the same event, Dr Dzulkefly also handed over the Kota Putera Health Clinic in Besut and Paya Datu Health Clinic in Kuala Terengganu.
Dr Dzulkefly said 13 laboratories were established to conduct mpox tests.
The government has also launched public awareness measures, including distributing guidelines to health and private clinics on mpox detection and treatment.
"There were nine confirmed cases of mpox in the country. The first case was reported on July 26 last year, the most recent one was in November.
"Mpox is caused by the mpox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus."
He said the country did not record any mpox cases this year, but his ministry would continue to take precautionary measures and remain vigilant.
"The disease can be transmitted between humans through direct close contact with rashes or blisters on the skin of individuals who show symptoms of mpox infection."
On Aug 12, the World Health Organisation reported that between Jan 1, 2022 and June 30 this year, 99,176 cases of mpox have been reported across 116 countries, including 208 deaths (0.21 per cent).