A TOTAL of nine mpox cases have been recorded in Malaysia since the first case was detected on July 26, 2023, said the Health Ministry (MOH).
In a statement today, the MOH said the last case was detected in November last year and all the cases reported had a history of high-risk activity.
“All those affected recovered with no deaths reported. Based on our monitoring, no new imported mpox cases have been reported since,” read the statement.
The MOH advised those travelling to countries with reported mpox cases to practise healthy lifestyles and avoid risky activities.
“Please monitor your health status daily, including signs of any mpox infection, within 21 days of returning from these countries.
“Those involved in high-risk activities are advised to undergo an examination at the nearest health facility.”
Medical practitioners can refer to mpox management guidelines at www.moh.gov.my.
The ministry said it would continue to monitor the mpox situation both domestically and internationally and would provide updates as necessary.
Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus genus along with smallpox.
The name monkeypox was originally coined because the disease was first identified in laboratory monkeys but was subsequently criticised as a misnomer because monkeys were not the main host and there were concerns that this would reinforce stigma about African countries being sources of disease.
Mpox’s common symptoms are similar to smallpox’s: rashes or mucosal lesions that can last for two to four weeks.
Other symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Mpox is transmitted through direct or close contact with infectious skin lesions or bodily fluids, as well as through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face interactions.
It can also spread through contact with contaminated objects like clothing and linen.
While there is no specific treatment for mpox, vaccines and therapeutics developed for smallpox can be used in some cases. – August 15, 2024.
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