KUCHING: The re-emergence of monkeypox or Mpox, despite being previously under control, is now considered a threat especially in the South East Asia (SEA) region, where healthcare infrastructure may be strained in the face of a widespread outbreak.
According to a senior lecturer at University Malaya, Dr Jasmine Elanie Khairat, it highlights the pressing need for robust global action and preparedness.
Since January 2022, over 99,000 Mpox cases and more than 200 deaths have been reported globally from 116 countries, and the detection of 13 cases in Singapore and one in Thailand is alarming, she said in a statement.
Dr. Jasmine compared the 2024 outbreak, driven by its broader transmission pattern and significant spread through international travel, to the 2022 outbreak, which was primarily spread through close personal contact and sexual encounters.
The transmission of Mpox is now occurring through household interactions, zoonotic exposure, and non-sexual routes, requiring a broader containment strategy that includes sexual health interventions, measures to prevent animal-to-human transmission, and enhanced hygiene practices, she said.
“A multi-faceted approach is crucial, emphasising prevention, treatment, and global cooperation; and this includes accelerating equitable vaccination efforts and developing new antivirals,” she added.
She said strengthening healthcare infrastructure in vulnerable regions is also vital to ensuring those infected receive necessary care, and that public health education campaigns must be intensified to foster early detection and prevention, highlighting the diverse transmission routes.
The situation in Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia, requires vigilance; although the immediate risk of Mpox in the country is low to moderate, cases in neighbouring countries highlight the need to avoid complacency, Dr Jasmine stressed.
“The virus’s unchecked spread in areas with limited vaccine access and specific antiviral treatments raises concerns about broader transmission, emphasising that infectious diseases can quickly become global threats.
“As Malaysians, we must remain vigilant and informed of the recent surge in global cases which underscores the unpredictable nature of this outbreak.
“We should acknowledge the risks and take proactive measures to protect ourselves and our communities and not resort to panicking,” she added.
