PUTRAJAYA: The patient confirmed positive for monkeypox, or clade II variant mpox, is now recovering and in stable condition, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic).
He stated that the individual, confirmed positive for mpox on September 16, has shown positive progress.
“The patient, who is currently in isolation, is stable and healthy. We (Health Ministry) will end the isolation period. We will inform you 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 here on Saturday (Sept 28).
On September 17, Health Director-General Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan was reported to have said that the Health Ministry detected one positive case of the mpox variant clade II on September 16. The case was identified from 58 suspected mpox cases referred to the ministry this year.
Regarding new cases of mpox, Dr Dzulkefly noted that no new cases have been recorded so far and advised the community to continue practising preventive public health measures.
“So far, there is only one confirmed case... It can be said that mpox is under control,” he said.
Commenting on the mpox vaccine, he mentioned that 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.
On September 2, Dr Dzulkefly was reported to have stated that Malaysia would receive the Tecovirimat (TPOXX) antiviral drug and the MVA-BN vaccine for the mpox virus through the 'Covid-19 Asean Response Fund' soon.
The MVA-BN vaccine is intended for high-risk groups, including health workers and close contacts of confirmed cases. It is administered only based on medical examination and evaluation. - Bernama
