By Sim YH
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, SEPT 6 – In dealing with the spread of Mpox disease in several countries, the Ministry of Health has increased public health preparedness measures against mpox in Brunei Darussalam to ensure that the health system in this country is prepared to detect mpox cases quickly, manage any suspected or confirmed cases and control further transmission.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health, here, starting tomorrow, September 7, people arriving in Brunei Darussalam by air, land or sea are required to use the BruHealth application to complete the Health Declaration Form upon arrival.
The requirement is implemented under the Infectious Diseases Act, Chapter 204, for mpox outbreak control measures. People arriving through checkpoints are required to complete a Health Declaration Form and are also asked to report their travel history within the last 21 days and complete a health screening.
In addition, health advisories have been provided at air, land and sea checkpoints so that people who are going out of the country will be able to take precautions to avoid being infected,
Visitors are advised to adhere to these advisories, especially if traveling to the affected countries.
The Ministry of Health explains that mpox is a virus that can spread through close contact with skin rashes, body fluids, sexual contact with infected individuals and contaminated environments and surfaces.
Those at high risk are among individuals involved in same-sex or promiscuous sex, who have a history of travel to areas severely affected by mpox and health workers. Among the main symptoms of mpox is a rash that can affect any part of the body, but usually on the face, hands or genital area. Other symptoms are fever, swollen glands and body weakness.
Mpox is less contagious than COVID-19. However, the public is advised to always be careful and avoid visiting places where mpox is widespread and avoid activities that cause the spread of this disease.
The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the epidemic situation in the country as well as at the regional and global levels and carry out risk assessments continuously.
The public who want to get more information and the latest developments, can visit the website of the Ministry of Health, www.moh.gov.bn or through the BruHealth application.
