Malaysian officials are closely monitoring the spread of mpox after several cases were recorded in neighbouring countries.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the government has no plans to implement a vaccination programme at this point in time. He added that an in-depth study should be conducted first to determine if there was a need for such a programme.
He also mentioned that Malaysia is in close contact with Southeast Asian nations to monitor cases of mpox infection.
Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines have recently registered mpox cases. On Aug 14, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the International Health Regulations (2005).
The declaration follows the spread of a new offshoot of mpox, first detected in Congo, which has spread to 13 African nations, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Central African Republic.
WHAT IS MPOX?
Mpox is a viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. While usually mild, it can be fatal. Children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, are at higher risk of complications.
Mpox is caused by an Orthopoxvirus and belongs to the smallpox family of viruses. It was first detected in humans in 1970 in Congo.
There are three types of mpox: clade 1, the new clade 1b, which is more easily spread between people, and clade 2. Clade refers to a form of the virus.
HOW DOES IT SPREAD?
Mpox transmits through skin-to-skin or close face-to-face contact and by touching contaminated objects like clothing, bedding, towels, or sex toys. Mpox can also spread from wild animals to people through direct close contact with an infected animal, its fluids or waste, or by being bitten or scratched.
HOW DEADLY IS IT?
The fatality rate of clade 1 and clade 1b is around four per cent. Clade 2 is less deadly.
ARE THERE MPOX CASES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Yes, there are. The highest number of cases this year is in Indonesia (88), followed by Vietnam (49), Singapore (10), Thailand (8), and the Philippines (1).
Last year, Malaysia had nine mpox cases from July to November. There are no reported cases in 2024.
WHAT IS MALAYSIA DOING ABOUT THE LATEST OUTBREAK?
The government said it will increase surveillance at Malaysia’s international entry points and enhance advocacy on mpox.
There are no restrictions on travelling abroad. The ministry advises those travelling to countries with reported mpox cases to practise a healthy lifestyle and avoid risky activities.
Travellers are advised to monitor their health status daily, including for signs of mpox infection, within 21 days of returning from these countries.
HOW MANY VACCINES ARE AVAILABLE?
There are three vaccines for mpox – MVA-BN, LC16, and OrthopoxVac—but WHO says only those at risk should be vaccinated. It has not called for mass inoculations.
