Health Minister: Only 10 MPox cases reported thus far

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed that as of Oct 1 2024, only 10 cases of monkey pox (MPox) were reported.

From that figure only one was reported this year on 16 Sept while the rest were cases that happened in 2023.

“However, there has been no deaths reported due to MPox. The number of cases are low and the ministry continues its surveillance and tracing activities while monitoring the current developments of MPox cases abroad and in neighbouring countries,” said Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said this in his written reply to Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PH-Bandar Tun Razak) who asked for the latest statistics on MPox infection and the targeted groups who would be receving antivirus Tecovirimat (TPOXX and MVA-BN for the MPox virus.

“Most of the MPox symptoms are light and the infections can heal itself without specific treatment. Antiviral treatment would be provided according to the severity of the infection and medical specialist advice.

“TPOXX treatment would be given to high risk individuals who have complications such as low immunity and those with severe symptoms,” he said.

As for the MVA-BN vaccine, the vaccines would be given based on two approaches:

a) primary preventive (pre-exposure) vaccination (PPV) – for high risk individuals who are exposed to MPox infections

b) post-exposure preventive vaccination (PEPV) – for close contacts who were exposed to MPox and had direct physical contact who has skin lesions or mucus membrane or medical staff who are exposed without the use of personal protective equipment.

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