PUTRAJAYA, El Sky News – The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) today confirmed the detection of a new mpox cluster (previously known as monkeypox), involving four individuals from the same household.
The situation has raised concern as transmission has now occurred within a close-contact community setting.
According to MOH’s statement, the index case — the first detected case in the cluster — is a non-Malaysian male who had a recent travel history to West Africa, where the virus is known to be endemic.
“All four individuals confirmed positive for mpox are currently in stable condition and undergoing home isolation to prevent wider transmission,” MOH said in its latest update.
23 Cumulative Cases Recorded So Far
With the four new cases, Malaysia’s cumulative total has increased to 23 mpox cases as of epidemiological week 46.
Although mpox generally does not spread as easily as COVID-19, the Ministry continues to urge the public to stay alert and practice preventive measures.
Key Preventive Steps:
- Avoid Direct Contact: Stay away from close physical contact with anyone showing symptoms such as blister-like rashes, fever, headaches, or swollen lymph nodes.
- Maintain Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.
- Use Protective Gear: High-risk individuals or caregivers of mpox patients are advised to wear face masks and gloves.
MOH also confirmed that active monitoring and contact tracing efforts are ongoing to identify any additional close contacts and curb further spread of this cluster.
The public is urged to seek medical care immediately if they develop suspicious symptoms, especially if they have had recent exposure to mpox patients.
