Without swift and concentrated action, monkeypox will continue to infect even more people unnecessarily.
– Josie Golding, British epidemiologist
I’m not sure when it was the last time I heard or read about mpox (former known as monkeypox) or if I have ever come across it at all.
For those of us not associated with the medical field, I suppose mpox can be classified as a rare disease – one that is not common and unlikely to cause mass infection. Well, that is how I understand it as a layperson.
However, it is true that people with rare diseases often face discrimination and devaluation from the public, who often do not understand the disease in question. Seriously, how many of us really know what mpox is all about?
From media reports about monkeypox published in connection with the recent resurgence of cases of the disease in Malaysia and abroad, it is not way off to suggest that the infected would be shunned and avoided like a plague by others.
Since there are already mpox cases in Malaysia, with one reported in Sarawak last year, it makes sense for me and for the sake of sharing this article with readers to read up on the disease.
The first question I would ask, as many would too, is: Is monkeypox primarily spread by monkeys?
The answer is No. According to Wikipedia, the name “monkeypox” is somewhat misleading. The virus was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958, which is how it got its name.
However, the primary reservoirs of the mpox virus are believed to be small rodents and other small mammals, such as squirrels and rats.
Human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with the infectious sores, scabs, or body fluids, as well as through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact. Monkeys can be infected with the virus, but they are not the main source of infection for humans.
I think the World Health Organisation (WHO) did the right thing when it officially renamed monkeypox to ‘mpox’ in November 2022. The change was made in response to concerns that the original name was stigmatizing and potentially misleading.
The new name ‘mpox’ was chosen to reduce any negative impact associated with the term ‘monkeypox’ and to make the disease name more neutral and inclusive. During a transition period, both names were used, but mpox is now the preferred term.
So, what is the update on mpox in our nation today?
According to press reports, various prevention measures against mpox have been put in place although Malaysia has recorded no new cases since December last year, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
There were 31 suspected cases as of Aug 26, of which 25 cases were confirmed negative, while six others were being monitored, he said, adding the number of mpox cases in the country remained at nine, with the first reported on July 26, 2023 and the last in November 2023.
Dr Dzulkefly also said that immediate steps have been taken by the ministry following an increase in mpox cases in neighbouring countries, including Singapore and Thailand, with more stringent screening at the country’s entry points, and the activation of 10 laboratories that conduct PCR tests for verification purposes.
As for Sarawak, I’ve read the recent report from Dr Chua Hock Hin, head of the Infectious Disease Unit at Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching with great interest.
I wish to thank Dr Chua for his detailed update. His first statement that Sarawak has not experienced any local transmission of monkeypox this year, must be of great comfort to Sarawakians surely.
Of the nine mpox cases recorded in Malaysia last year, only one was a Sarawakian and to date, it was the only recorded case.
There is more good news. According to Dr Chua, the Sarawak patient was cured after three weeks of isolation without transmitting the virus to others. So far, there has been no local transmission, he said.
I think the target for the Sarawak Health Department now should be to work towards a mpox-free Sarawak.
For that to turn into reality, Sarawakians should start heeding Dr Chua’s warning that those who travel to countries with reported cases, and those with multiple sexual partners, face a higher risk of infection.
It’s also comforting to learn from Dr Chua that all hospitals, including Sarawak General Hospital, have standardised procedures in place to detect and manage mpox cases.
I’m not sure whether widespread access to the mpox vaccine, particularly in high-risk areas and among vulnerable populations, is in place in Sarawak. If not, perhaps that is something to prepare for.
Then, we could also strengthen surveillance systems to detect and respond to new cases quickly. This includes regular monitoring of animal populations that might harbour the virus. Sarawak is a known haven for animal farming for food.
Of course, we must also run public health campaigns to educate people about how mpox spreads, symptoms to watch for, and preventive measures. This must be on-going as is the case when dealing with other diseases too.
Yes, let us work towards a mpox-free Sarawak, using the tested guidelines as we know best plus the expertise and dedication of our men and women in Sarawak. Let us not rest on our laurels when dealing with rare diseases such as mpox. The recent outbreak is serious enough.
There must be valid reasons for WHO to declare the mpox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern on Aug 14.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
