A new case of monkeypox (mpox) has been detected, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health on Tuesday (Sept 17).
The patient, a male citizen, began showing symptoms on Sept 11, including fever, sore throat, and cough. A rash developed the following day, on Sept 12.
No recent travel history
The Ministry of Health clarified that the patient had no recent history of international travel within the 21 days before his symptoms appeared. He is currently in isolation and reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities are actively identifying the patient’s contacts, and their health status will be closely monitored in accordance with the country’s strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Out of the 58 suspected mpox cases referred to the ministry this year, one case was confirmed as mpox clade II on Sept 16,” the ministry said, adding that Malaysia has recorded a total of 10 mpox cases, all from clade II, since July 26 last year.
The ministry also noted that the last recorded mpox case was in November of the previous year, following an earlier update on Aug 15, which stated that nine mpox cases had been detected in Malaysia at that time.
Declared a public health emergency
Mpox was declared a public health emergency of international concern for a second time on Aug 14, due to the rapid spread of the clade 1b variant from the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring African countries.
In response, the Health Ministry activated its mpox operations and crisis response center on Aug 16.
The ministry continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and follow health protocols to minimize the risk of further transmission.
Read the official statement here:
