Mpox patient getting well, stable, Health Minister confirms

The sole monkey pox (mpox) patient is getting healthy and stable, confirmed Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

“The patient, who is currently in isolation, is stable and healthy. We (Health Ministry) will end the isolation period.

“We will let you know when (the isolation period is over),” he told reporters after the Gotong Royong Mega Fight Aedes 2.0, 1 Hour Malaysia Clean Up programme in conjunction with Malaysia Clean Up Day.

The patient was first detected on Sept 16 out of 58 suspected mpox cases this year.

Dr Dzulkefly also confirmed there was no new cases recorded thus far and urged the community to practice preventive public health measures.

“So far, there is only one confirmed case…It can be said (mpox) is under control,” he said.

Regarding the mpox vaccine, he said the matter had been finalised and the Health Ministry was awaiting the receipt of the MVA-BN vaccine supply.

“We are transparent in this matter, the important thing is that this vaccine is finalised and we are waiting for the delivery,” he said.

Yesterday he announced that the antiviral Tecovirimat to combat mpox is only meant for high risk groups.