The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) has increased its level of preparedness and monitoring following the declaration of the Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 17.
The MOH announced that so far no Ebola cases have been detected in Malaysia, but precautions are being increased due to the risk of imported cases through international travel following the outbreak in Congo and Uganda.
According to the ministry, monitoring is being carried out on travellers arriving from Uganda and Congo, including those transiting at international flight hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Singapore.
Currently, there are no direct flights from the two countries to Malaysia.
The MOH said monitoring and health screening at the country's entry points continue to be strengthened to enable more effective public health risk assessments and contain the spread at an early stage.
Based on the WHO report as of May 16, eight cases of Ebola have been confirmed through laboratory tests while 246 suspected cases have been recorded in Ituri Province, Congo. In addition, 80 suspected deaths have also been reported.
In Uganda, two cases have been confirmed, including one death involving an individual with a history of travel from Congo.
The Ministry of Health explained that Ebola is a serious infectious disease that can be fatal and is spread through close contact with the blood or body fluids of infected individuals and animals.
Among the symptoms of the disease are fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea and in certain cases can cause bleeding.
To strengthen the country's preparedness, the Ministry of Health has taken several steps including enhancing surveillance at all international entry points, accelerating early detection of cases and ensuring that health facilities are ready for the isolation and management of patients suspected of being infected with Ebola.
In addition, the readiness of personal protective equipment (PPE) and training of health workers has also been ensured to be at an optimal level.
MOH is also expanding laboratory diagnostic capacity through collaboration with the Institute of Medical Research (IMR) and the National Public Health Laboratory (MKAK).
At the same time, MOH continues to work closely with WHO, the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), airlines and related agencies to monitor global risk developments.
People with a history of travel to affected countries are advised to seek immediate treatment if they experience symptoms such as fever, body aches, vomiting or bleeding within 21 days of returning.
MOH also reminds the public to obtain information from official sources and avoid spreading unverified news that may cause public concern.
