JOHOR BARU: Malaysia has taken precautionary measures to safeguard its people from a monkeypox outbreak.

       Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said monkeypox, which has been reported in several other countries, has not reached our shores.

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       “Nonetheless, the Health Ministry has provided a strategic plan to face the risk of monkeypox entering Malaysia.

       “Among the steps are procedures for tracking and notifying cases, sampling, investigation and case management, as well as close contact and monitoring at international gateways such as airports,” he said in a video uploaded through his TikTok account.

       Khairy also said that from May 27, the ministry had added a health alert for monkeypox in the MySejahtera app.

       He said that through the pre-departure form in the MySejahtera app, travellers arriving from monkeypox-affected countries will receive the health alert as a reminder to conduct self-monitoring in case they developed symptoms.

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       “For those who are travelling abroad, especially to countries with monkeypox cases, always be vigilant and careful.

       “Avoid activities that can cause monkeypox infection. If there are symptoms, seek immediate treatment,” he said.

       Among the symptoms of monkeypox are acute rashes, fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle and body aches, back pain, and profound weakness.

       Recently, monkeypox has been reported in France, Britain, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and several countries within the African continent.