PUTRAJAYA — The Ministry of Health (MOH) in Malaysia has confirmed two additional cases of monkeypox, taking the total number of cases detected this year to four. This information was shared by Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan in a statement released today. According to BERNAMA News Agency, these new cases involve two local men.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, The third case was confirmed on October 21, with the patient showing symptoms such as fever and blisters starting from October 6. The fourth case is closely related to the third, being a close contact, and was confirmed positive on October 23. This individual also displayed similar symptoms beginning on October 6. Both patients are currently undergoing home isolation and are in stable condition. They have denied any history of traveling abroad within the 21 days preceding the appearance of symptoms.
All individuals who have been in contact with the third and fourth cases have been identified, and none have shown symptoms of monkeypox infection so far. Their health status continues to be monitored. Dr Muhammad Radzi also clarified that these two new cases have no relation to the first and second cases reported in July.
Monkeypox, or mpox, is an infection caused by the mpox virus, which can be transmitted through close contact with individuals showing symptoms and signs of the infection. The disease presents with fever and a maculopapular rash on various parts of the body, including the face, palms, soles, genitalia, and eyes. The incubation period, which is the time between exposure and the onset of symptoms, ranges from five to 21 days. Individuals infected with the mpox virus can spread the disease from one day before the onset of symptoms until all the blisters have fully healed.
Dr Muhammad Radzi emphasized the importance of vigilance among medical practitioners when dealing with individuals presenting with rashes or blister symptoms, especially among high-risk groups. He urged that a thorough history of close contact with symptomatic individuals must be obtained, and he provided guidance on the necessary tests and reporting procedures for suspected cases of monkeypox.
