Monkeypox (mpox) is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, which can spread to humans through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated surfaces.
The disease is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox, but its symptoms are generally milder, though it can still be severe in some cases.
Recently, a new case of mpox was confirmed in Malaysia, as announced by the Health Ministry. The patient, a Malaysian man, began experiencing symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and cough on September 11, followed by the appearance of rashes on September 12.
Despite having no recent international travel history, the patient tested positive for mpox and is now in isolation. His condition remains stable, and the Ministry is closely monitoring individuals who have been in contact with him.
According to The Star, in 2024, out of 58 suspected cases, this is the first confirmed mpox case. The Ministry reported that all ten confirmed cases in Malaysia, starting from July last year, belong to the mpox clade II, which is known to be less severe than other variants. No fatalities have been recorded, and the affected individuals have since recovered.
Monkeypox was declared a public health emergency of international concern once again in August 2024 due to the rapid spread of the clade 1b variant from the Democratic Republic of Congo and other parts of Africa. In response, the Malaysian Health Ministry activated its mpox operations and crisis response centre to mitigate the risks and manage the situation.
Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) sedang meningkatkan pengawasan dan aktiviti advokasi mengenai mpox selepas WHO...
Posted by KEMENTERIAN KESIHATAN MALAYSIA on Monday 16 September 2024
As Malaysians navigate this health concern, it's important to stay informed and vigilant. Symptoms to watch for include fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash that progresses through various stages, often starting on the face before spreading to other parts of the body.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical attention and avoid close contact with others. Maintaining good hygiene, practising social distancing, and staying up to date with public health guidelines can help prevent the spread of mpox.
Stay safe, Malaysia!
