The Ministry of Health (MoH) said that Brunei Darussalam has not reported any cases of mpox to date. The ministry in a press release on Friday said that it is actively monitoring the situation and has put in place measures to manage potential cases and prevent the spread of infection. This includes the management of suspected cases and contact tracing, which may involve quarantine under the Infectious Diseases Act (Chapter 204).
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the second time in two years on August 14. This decision follows a rise in mpox cases across several countries in East Africa.
In response, the MoH is ensuring that all necessary preparedness measures are in place. These include surveillance and notification processes, laboratory testing capacity, and access to antiviral drugs such as tecovirimat for confirmed cases. Tecovirimat is an antiviral medication used to treat mpox and is available in Brunei Darussalam.
The PHEIC status represents the WHO’s highest alert level, designed to boost research, funding, and international cooperation to contain infectious diseases. The resurgence of mpox demands immediate action and enhanced coordination to prevent further spread and protect public health.
According to a WHO report issued on August 12, 2024, there were 99,176 global cases of mpox reported between January 1 and June 30, 2024, across 116 countries, with a mortality rate of 0.21 per cent. Mpox, caused by the mpox virus—a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus—can be transmitted through close contact with the rash or blisters of an infected person. The majority of cases are spread through sexual contact, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM), and through exposure to respiratory fluids during intimate contact.
Symptoms of mpox include fever and a ‘maculopapular rash’ or blister rash, which can appear on the face, palms, soles, genitalia, conjunctiva, and cornea.
The MoH said it remains committed to protecting the health and well-being of Brunei Darussalam’s residents and will continue to monitor the situation closely. – JAMES KON
