New batch of mpox medication reserved for high risk group only

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has confirmed that Malaysia received a batch of antiviral Tecovirimat to combat mpox but added that it is only meant for high risk groups.

The high risk groups are those with severe disease and low immune system, he said.

Tecovirimat is a medicine to treat smallpox, mpox and cowpox, which are three infections caused by viruses belonging to the same family (orthopoxviruses).

“MPox vaccine deal finalised, waiting (for) execution (and) delivery. Also for high-risk groups,” he said on X.

He added that his ministry is continuing to conduct surveillance on the virus and that there was no new mpox cases recorded.

Stringent health screening on inbound international travellers were implemented earlier this month.

The single mpox case involved a male Malaysian who had symptoms of fever, sore throat and cough earlier this month.