Health Ministry confirms new family-based mpox cluster; all cases stable and contained with ongoing monitoring.
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health has confirmed a new mpox cluster involving four family members, with the index case being a non-citizen man with recent travel history to West Africa.
The patient first developed symptoms on October 20 and tested positive for mpox (Clade II) on November 12, while three family members showed symptoms on October 30 and were confirmed positive the following day.
“All cases are in stable condition and undergoing home isolation,” the ministry stated, adding that all close contacts have been identified, screened and instructed to undergo quarantine.
Investigations found transmission was limited to family members with the cluster situation under control.
As of epidemiological week 46, Malaysia has recorded 12 mpox cases this year, bringing the cumulative total to 23 since the first case was detected in July 2023.
Of the total cases, 22 were Clade II mpox infections and one case was Clade Ib.
All cases were effectively contained through early detection, patient isolation and close contact monitoring, with no further community infection reported.
The ministry advised the public to continue practising preventive measures, including avoiding direct contact with anyone showing symptoms or suspected of being infected.
“Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as fever, blistering rashes or swollen lymph nodes,” the statement read.
Although mpox is no longer classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern since September 5, the ministry will continue monitoring the situation locally and abroad while maintaining preventive measures.
Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, with symptoms including fever accompanied by rashes or blisters on various body parts.
Transmission primarily occurs through close contact with infected individuals, touching rashes or blisters, sexual contact, or via contaminated surfaces and objects.
The disease can be more severe in children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. – Bernama
