Mpox does not spread easily - Virologist

UPM virologist Professor Dr Zamberi Sekawi said mpox was different from Covid-19, which spreads more easily through droplets produced by saliva when talking or coughing.

SHAH ALAM - The chances of the mpox (monkeypox) outbreak mutating into a more virulent strain in the country are quite low, as the virus can only spread through physical contact, including sexual activity.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) virologist Professor Dr Zamberi Sekawi said mpox was different from Covid-19, which spreads more easily through droplets produced by saliva when talking or coughing.

"Generally, the monkeypox outbreak can be fatal, with a mortality rate of between three and five per cent, but it does not spread as easily as Covid-19.

"This outbreak usually spreads through contact or sexual relations. Therefore, the likelihood of it mutating into a more virulent strain is very small," he told Sinar.

He was commenting on the possibility of the outbreak, which was currently increasing in Africa, potentially mutating into a more dangerous form, similar to how the Covid-19 virus spread globally, including in Malaysia, a few years ago.

This followed the actions of certain parties who shared and spread information about the outbreak on social media, causing concern among the public.

It was reported that the Health Ministry would strengthen surveillance and advocacy activities related to mpox, including enhancing monitoring at all international entry points.

This was after the World Health Organisation declared mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the second time on Aug 14.

As of Tuesday, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recorded more than 570 deaths due to the outbreak.

When asked about preventive measures that should be taken to curb the spread of the outbreak, Dr Zamberi said everyone should avoid engaging in any high-risk activities.

He also encouraged vaccination as a step to prevent infection from the potentially fatal outbreak.

INFO

MPOX CASES IN ASEAN COUNTRIES

- Thailand: 827

- Vietnam: 202 (eight deaths)

- Indonesia: 88

- Cambodia: 17

- Singapore: 12

- Philippines: 10

- Malaysia: 9

- Laos: 1

- Brunei: 0

- Timor-Leste: 0

*Cases recorded from 2022 to August 2024