KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry reported one new case of the mpox virus infection of the clade 2 variety yesterday.
Its director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said the case was detected in a male patient, who began showing symptoms of fever, sore throat and cough on Sept 11, with rashes appearing on Sept 12.
"Of the 58 cases of suspected mpox that have been referred to the Health Ministry throughout the year, this one case was confirmed positive mpox clade II on Sept 16.
"With that also, all 10 cases in Malaysia since July 26 last year until now belong to clade II only," Dr Radzi said in a statement today.
He said the patient has no history of travelling abroad in the previous 21 days, developed symptoms, and is currently in isolation and stable.
He said the Health Ministry is tracing all close contacts of the patient and will monitor their health according to the current strict standard operating procedures (SOP).
Dr Radzi advised individuals at high risk who exhibit symptoms of mpox, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash or blisters, to promptly seek examination and treatment at the nearest healthcare facility.
"Avoid direct contact with individuals suspected or confirmed to be infected with mpox, including sexual contact.
"Practice self-health management by washing hands with water and soap or using hand sanitiser," he said.
Dr Radzi urged frontline workers to remain vigilant for individuals presenting with rashes and blisters seeking treatment, especially among high-risk groups.
"For suspected mpox cases, blister swabs, oral swabs and blood or serum samples should be sent to laboratories that offer mpox virus detection testing services.
"Suspected mpox cases should be reported to the nearest health district office via the e-Notification System so that further investigation and preventive measures can be undertaken," he said.
The incubation period before an individual shows symptoms is between five and 21 days from exposure to infection.
Individuals infected with mpox can spread the virus to others between a day before symptoms appear until all blisters have dried up and come off completely.
Usually, mpox cases will be cured without any special treatment.