PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has confirmed a new mpox cluster affecting four family members, with the index case identified as a non-citizen man with a recent travel history to West Africa.
In a statement on Sunday (Nov 16), the ministry reported that the patient first developed symptoms on Oct 20 and tested positive for mpox (Clade II) on Nov 12, while three of his family members showed symptoms on Oct 30 and were confirmed positive for Clade II mpox on Nov 13.
“All cases are in stable condition and undergoing home isolation. All close contacts have been identified, screened and instructed to undergo quarantine.
“So far, investigations have found that transmission is limited to family members and the cluster situation is under control,” the statement read.
The ministry reported that as of epidemiological week 46 (ME 46/2025), a total of 12 mpox cases have been recorded, bringing the cumulative total in Malaysia to 23 since the first case was detected in July 2023.
The statement noted that of the total cases, 22 were Clade II mpox infections and one case was Clade Ib.
It added that all cases were effectively contained through early detection, patient isolation and close contact monitoring, with no further community infection reported.
“Since that mpox transmission is still occurring, particularly among individuals with a history of high-risk activities, the ministry advises the public to continue practising preventive measures, including avoiding direct contact with anyone showing symptoms or suspected of being infected with mpox.
“Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as fever, blistering rashes or swollen lymph nodes and undergo testing if directed by medical personnel,” read the statement.
According to the ministry, although mpox was no longer classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) as of Sept 5, it will continue to monitor the situation, locally and abroad, while maintaining ongoing preventive and control measures.
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus.
It said symptoms include fever accompanied by rashes or blisters on the face, palms, soles, genitals, conjunctiva and cornea, adding that transmission primarily occurs through close contact with infected individuals and can spread when a person touches the rashes or blisters on a patient’s skin, through sexual contact or via surfaces and objects contaminated with the patient’s bodily fluids.
It stated that mpox can be more severe in children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. – Bernama
