KUALA LUMPUR: Five cases of monkeypox infection (mpox) were reported between Oct 31 and Nov 29, bringing the cumulative number of cases to nine, the Health Ministry reported.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said the new cases, involving all local men, had no links to those previously reported.
"The fifth infection was confirmed on Nov 10 of a 40-year-old man involved in risky activities and showing symptoms of fever and blisters on Oct 29.
"The sixth case is a man aged 32 who showed symptoms of fever and blisters on Nov 7, and was confirmed positive with the infection on Nov 12," he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the seventh case, a 35-year old man, was a close contact to the sixth case who had shown symptoms of blisters and was confirmed positive on Nov 12.
Dr Muhammad Radzi said the eighth case is a 26-year-old man who had a history of involvement in risky activities and suffered fever, headache, myalgia, lymphadenopathy and maculopapular rash since Nov 6 and confirmed positive with the infection on Nov 15.
The ninth case is a 47-year-old man who was involved in risky activities and showed symptoms, namely, fever and rash on Nov 8 and was confirmed positive on Nov 17, he said.
"All cases are undergoing isolation at the hospital and are in a stable condition.
"They denied having a history of travelling abroad within 21 days before detecting the symptoms."
He said all close contacts had been identified and their health status was being monitored.
Symptoms include fever and blisters on the face, palms, soles, private parts, conjunctiva and cornea.
"All medical practitioners are required to be on alert for individuals with symptoms of rashes and blisters seeking treatment, especially the key population.
"Close contacts' risk history with individuals with mpox infection must be obtained."
He said suspected mpox cases must be notified to the respective Health District Office through the e-Notifikasi system to ensure that further investigation and preventive measures could be carried out.