THE Kedah Health Department is collaborating with the Thai government to increase monitoring of shared border areas, following the current monkeypox infection in Thailand.

State Health and Local Government Committee chairman, Dr Mohd Hayati Othman, said that the move was to avoid any risk of the virus spreading to Kedah.

He added that the department constantly monitored and obtained up-to-date information on the development of the disease in the neighbouring country.

“So far only the vaccine is able to prevent infection and we encourage individuals who want to go to neighbouring countries to take the vaccine first, as a preventive measure.

“We have yet to detect individuals returning from Thailand with symptoms of the virus,” he told reporters after officiating the PAS Ashura Perdana programme in Pendang today.

The media previously reported that the Thai government issued a national monkeypox warning after an emergency meeting of its health agency and public health minister in July 28.

Dr Mohd Hayati said all parties should be vigilant because the disease could spread through saliva, phlegm, and mucus.

“If any Malaysian wants to go to Thailand to eat, there is no problem because it does not spread through food. Just watch out for the people around you; if you see someone with skin rashes, do not approach the individual,” he said. – Bernama, August 25, 2022.