No Mpox cases recorded in Malta, health authorities say
The Health Ministry has stated that no cases of the monkeypox (Mpox) virus have been reported in the Maltese islands.The Ministry for Health and Active Ageing published a statement in relation to monkeypox. Recently, a new variant of the Mpox virus w
The Health Ministry has stated that no cases of the monkeypox (Mpox) virus have been reported in the Maltese islands.
The Ministry for Health and Active Ageing published a statement in relation to monkeypox. Recently, a new variant of the Mpox virus was observed in Sweden; this variant was said to be associated with the growing outbreak in Africa.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ongoing outbreak of Mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) last week.
In response to these international developments, Maltese health authorities are closely monitoring any potential cases through improved surveillance systems. The Ministry stated that surveillance has been improved to detect and respond to any suspected Mpox cases found locally.
The Health Ministry iterated that early diagnosis is crucial and that it is working to inform the public about the virus and its symptoms.
Persons travelling to affected countries are being encouraged to avoid close contact with people with rashes that are similar looking to monkeypox. They are also being advised to avoid contact with any objects and materials that a person with this virus has used.
It is also encouraged for people to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
The risk to citizens travelling to affected countries who have close contact with affected communities is assessed as moderate; such close contact includes with healthcare workers, domestic contacts or other close contacts, and/or sexual contacts, the government said. Living in any of the affected countries is also assessed as a moderate risk, it added.
Meanwhile, the risk to citizens travelling to the affected countries who do not have close contact with the local community is assessed as low.
Any persons having symptoms of <pox or who have had close contact with someone who has Mpox are advised to speak to their family doctor about testing and treatment, the government said.
"Malta remains vigilant and committed to protecting citizens and visitors from the monkeypox epidemic. Public health measures are in place to ensure diagnosis and treatment where necessary," the statement concluded.
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