Malaysia's Health Ministry has confirmed the first mpox (monkeypox)
case of 2024. The patient, a male citizen, began exhibiting symptoms on
11 September and is currently in isolation in stable condition. He
experienced fever, sore throat, and cough, followed by a rash the next
day.
According to the ministry’s statement on 17 September, the patient
has not travelled internationally in the past 21 days. Health
authorities are actively identifying and monitoring his close contacts
in line with established protocols.
“Out of the 58 suspected mpox cases referred to the ministry this
year, one case has been confirmed positive for mpox clade II as of 16
September,” the ministry stated. It also noted that all 10 cases
reported in Malaysia since July 2023 are from clade II.
Malaysia had recorded nine mpox cases between July and November 2023,
all linked to high-risk activities, with no reported fatalities.
Mpox was declared a global healthy emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 14 August 2024,
largely due to the spread of the clade Ib variant, particularly from
the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring African countries.
In response, Malaysia’s Health Ministry activated its national crisis
response centre on 16 August to enhance preparedness. The ministry
advised the public to maintain personal hygiene and avoid direct contact
with suspected or confirmed cases.
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPVX) and spreads through
close contact with symptomatic individuals. The incubation period ranges
from 5 to 21 days, with individuals remaining contagious until lesions
have healed.