GEORGE TOWN: The state government has confirmed that there are no cases of monkeypox (mpox) in the state, despite contrary claims circulating on social media.
Addressing concerns following a circulating message suggesting mpox symptoms were appearing in Penang, State Health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said: "I have verified with the state Health Department that this information is incorrect."
He urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information to prevent unnecessary alarm.
Accurate updates on Mpox could be accessed through the official Penang Health Department and Health Ministry websites, he added.
The Ministry of Health has been actively monitoring the situation, with an mpox operations room established on Aug 16, as announced by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The ministry's response has been bolstered in light of the emergency declaration by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Dr Dzulkefly said that recent screenings of 25 individuals suspected of having mpox returned negative results, and there have been no new cases reported in the country since December of last year.
"I urge everyone to stay calm and rely on official updates from the ministry and the state Health Department," Gooi said.