03/09/2024

TUESDAY | SEP 3, 2024

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Malaysian Paper

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COMMENT by Dr Jasmine Elanie Khairat

Call for vigilance as mpox threatens Southeast Asia T HE monkeypox virus, once thought to be largely contained, looms large once again. While the 2022 global outbreak (clade II) garnered significant “Public health education

LETTERS letters@thesundaily.com

Celebrating 67 years of harmony and unity WE , the members of G25 Malaysia, wish all Malaysians a joyous Merdeka. As we celebrate the 67th anniversary of our independence, we also need to reflect on our nation’s journey and achievements, recognising the challenges we have faced and the hardships we have overcome in recent years. Our country has been through trying times, from economic uncertainties to political turbulence and social disruptions. However, in spite of these setbacks, Malaysians have continued to prove themselves resilient. The strength and determination of the Malaysian people have been pivotal in navigating the challenging moments while continuing to fight for a better nation. We are happy to see that the government is listening to the people and taking the initiative to introduce a new legislation to govern federal statutory bodies and their subsidiaries as well as drafting the Freedom of Information bill, aimed at enhancing and enforcing transparency and accountability. These moves are significant steps forward in ensuring that the administration of our government operates with integrity, transparency and responsibility. These actions are crucial in building a robust framework for good governance. We are heartened by the positive strides our country has taken towards advancing and becoming a stronger nation and society. The unity and harmony among the citizens remain the cornerstone of our progress, and it is this collective strength that inspires hope for a bright, prosperous and happy future for all Malaysians. As we commemorate Merdeka Day, let us embrace the spirit of unity and continue working together towards a Malaysia where every citizen thrives and contributes to our shared success. Here is to a future filled with promise and harmony for all. G25 Malaysia

attention, the current resurgence, particularly of the concerning clade I variant in Africa, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive global action and preparedness. This is especially crucial in regions like Southeast Asia, where healthcare infrastructure may be strained in the face of a widespread outbreak. Globally, from January 2022 until now, more than 99,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox, including over 200 deaths, have been reported to the World Health Organisation from 116 countries. While the global situation is worrying, the emergence of cases closer to home in Southeast Asia raises alarm bells. As of August, there were at least 14 confirmed cases of mpox in the region, with 13 cases in Singapore (all clade II) and one case in Thailand (clade I). The disheartening results of the recent tecovirimat trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2023 have dealt a blow to hopes for a readily available and effective treatment for mpox. The drug, currently used to treat mpox despite limited clinical evidence, showed no significant benefit in reducing the duration of symptoms caused by the clade I infection compared to a placebo. While the lower mortality rate among trial participants offers a glimmer of hope, it also highlights the critical importance of supportive care in managing this disease. However, the challenge lies in translating this level of care to resource-limited settings, where access to healthcare may be limited. A key difference between the 2022 and 2024 outbreaks lies in the modes of transmission and the virus variant. While the 2022 outbreak, fuelled by the clade IIb strain, was primarily driven by close personal contact, often during sexual encounters, the current outbreak, dominated by clade I, exhibits a broader transmission pattern. It spreads largely due to international travels from endemic regions in Africa to other non-endemic countries.

campaigns must be intensified to foster early detection and

prevention, highlighting the diverse transmission

routes observed in this outbreak.

The virus’ unchecked spread in regions with limited vaccine access and a lack of effective antivirals for specific clades raises the possibility of broader transmission. – REUTERSPIC

Now, in addition to close contact, we are witnessing transmission through household interactions, zoonotic exposure (animal-to human) and non-sexual routes. This shift necessitates a more comprehensive strategy for containment, encompassing not only sexual health interventions but also measures to curb animal-to-human transmission, and reinforcing hygiene practices in households. The need for now is a multi-pronged approach that focuses on prevention, treatment and global cooperation. We must accelerate vaccination efforts, ensuring equitable access for all nations, regardless of economic standing. Simultaneously, the development of novel antivirals targeting clade I is essential to combat this specific strain. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure in vulnerable regions is also paramount, ensuring that those infected receive the necessary care. Lastly, public health education campaigns must be intensified to foster early detection and prevention, highlighting the diverse transmission routes observed in this outbreak. The situation in Southeast Asia, particularly

in Malaysia, demands attention. While the immediate risk of mpox in Malaysia remains low to moderate, the emergence of cases in neighbouring countries serves as a stark reminder that we cannot afford complacency. The virus’ unchecked spread in regions with limited vaccine access and a lack of effective antivirals for specific clades raises the possibility of broader transmission. As we have learned, infectious diseases transcend borders, and an outbreak anywhere poses a potential threat everywhere. As Malaysians, we must remain vigilant and informed. The recent surge in global cases underscores the unpredictable nature of this outbreak. While we should not succumb to panic, we must acknowledge the risks and take proactive measures to protect ourselves and our communities.

The writer is a senior lecturer at the Institute of Biological Sciences at the Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com