As of now, Malaysians can breathe a sigh of relief as Health Director-General himself has confirmed that the recent viral image of a child with blisters on her hand has nothing to do with the Monkeypox virus.

This means that we are, at the time being, free from the Monkeypox virus. On his Twitter post yesterday, Health DG Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that the 3-year-old child was brought to a health clinic in Batu 14, Selangor for a check-up and tests for multiple viruses were also conducted.

The child was confirmed to be positive for the Coxsackie A6 virus, better known as the Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD). She was also tested for the Monkeypox virus and other viruses and the results came back negative.

The child is currently being treated in Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL).

The Monkeypox Virus

While Malaysia is still free from the Monkeypox virus, it does not mean we are completely free from the virus forever. Possibilities are always there and in case you are not aware of its symptoms and its transmissions, do refer to the images below with an explanation from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Now, if you or anyone you know happen to be a victim of the Monkeypox virus, remain calm and follow the steps below.

The steps are also applicable if you simply SUSPECT yourself of having the Monkeypox virus.

As the HFMD cases in Malaysia are on the rise, particularly among children, parents are also advised to monitor their children for the emergence of symptoms. You can read more about HFMD disease here.

In the meantime, don’t forget that the Covid-19 virus is still out there claiming its victims! While another wave of the Covid-19 virus may be unlikely, it is important for us to keep following the SOPs.

Also read: KKM: No Reports of Monkeypox Despite Viral Photo of M’sian Child With Rash, Urges Treatment if True