While the world is still battling the Covid-19 virus, another virus is terrorising parts of the world and anyone is prone to this virus known as Monkeypox.
Recently, a picture showing a child allegedly infected with the Monkeypox virus has been going viral and the caption says that the virus has finally made its way into Malaysia. As the country is also battling Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD) that children are prone to be infected, the caption also urges others to be careful when taking their children outdoors.
The caption also blames the media for allegedly not reporting Monkeypox cases in the country.
Has the Monkeypox virus really found its way to Malaysia?
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has responded to the viral photo via a Twitter post yesterday evening at 5pm (24 May) and has debunked all allegations.
“We have yet to receive any notifications about Monkeypox cases in the country as claimed by the image”, MoH assured.
Sehingga 24 Mei 2022 jam 5.00 petang, KKM tidak menerima sebarang notifikasi berkenaan kes yang dijangkiti virus monkeypox atau kes kanak-kanak yang dikatakan dijangkiti virus monkeypox seperti dalam mesej beserta gambar yang ditularkan dalam media sosial. pic.twitter.com/CVdSwpBCAb
— KKMalaysia??? (@KKMPutrajaya) May 24, 2022
Is Malaysia bound to fall victim to the Monkeypox virus anytime soon?
Just like the Covid-19 virus, no one foresaw it coming. However, if the Monkeypox virus claimed in the photo happens to be legitimate, here’s what parents/guardians can do, as suggested by MoH.
“Rush the child to the nearest health facility to get immediate check-up & treatment.”
In the meantime, MoH also urged the people to stop spreading any news without knowing its authenticity.
According to BBC, the Monkeypox virus can be spread by touching clothing & bedding used by someone with the rash. Despite sharing similarities with smallpox, the Monkeypox virus is less severe & less infectious.
Let’s hope that our country will be free from this virus!
Also read: Didn’t Get Covid? South Korean Doctor Says That’s Because You Have No Friends!
