KUCHING: A new case of the Mpox virus infection of the Clade 2 variant has been reported in the country.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said that out of the 58 suspected Mpox cases referred to the Ministry of Health (MoH) this year, one case was confirmed positive for the virus infection on Sept 16.
“The patient is a male citizen who began experiencing symptoms of fever, sore throat, and cough on Sept 11, while rashes started developing on Sept 12,” he said in a statement today.
The patient, he said, had no history of international travel within the 21 days before developing he symptoms.
“He is currently in isolation and in stable condition. All contacts of the patient are being identified, and their health status will be closely monitored following strict current standard operating procedures (SOPs),’ he said.
Dr Muhammad Radzi added that to date, all 10 positive cases of the Mpox virus infection detected in Malaysia since July 26, 2023 have been from the Clade 2 variant.
Mpox has been declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) for the second time on Aug 14, following the rapid spread of the Clade Ib virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring countries in the African region.
In response, the MoH activated the Mpox operations room at the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) on Aug 16.
The National CPRC continues to monitor the Mpox situation and coordinate relevant preparedness and response measures.
The public, especially high-risk individuals with Mpox symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash or blisters, are urged to seek immediate medical examination and treatment at the nearest health facility.
They should also avoid direct contact with individuals suspected or confirmed to have Mpox, including sexual contact.
Public are also reminded to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands with water and soap or using hand sanitisers.
