The second and third local cases of monkeypox were confirmed by the Ministry of Health on July 13 and 14, just one day apart. The first local case was confirmed on July 6.
Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by infection of the monkeypox virus. Most patients recover from the infection within two to three weeks. Some symptoms of monkeypox typically include fever, headache, muscle ache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, lethargy and skin rashes.
“In some cases, however, the virus can cause serious complications. Individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness include young children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals,” MOH has warned on its website.
There have been reports of monkeypox cases in dozens of countries since May of this year.
Singapore’s first local case was that of a Malaysian man, 45.
The second local case is a 48-year-old male British national also living in Singapore. He tested positive for the infection on July 13 and is confined at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID). MOH said that his condition is stable, and added that his case is not linked to any of the monkeypox cases earlier announced by MOH.
“The case developed rashes in the perianal region on 6 July and fever on 11 July. He sought medical care on 13 July and was subsequently admitted to NCID on the same day. Contact tracing is ongoing,” MOH said.
The third patient is a 41-year-old male Singapore citizen who tested positive on Thursday (Jul 14). Like the other two cases, he is also warded at NCID and is in stable condition. His case is not linked to earlier monkeypox cases that have been announced by MOH.
According to MOH, “The case developed genital rashes on 9 July. He sought medical care on 12 July and was subsequently admitted to NCID on 13 July.”
Contact tracing for the second and third cases is ongoing, MOH added.
On July 6, MOH said in a statement that it identified three close contacts of the first patient. Two of them are his housemates and one is social contact. They were placed under quarantine for 21 days.
MOH has also said that the risk of transmission to the general public remains low because transmission needs close physical or prolonged contact.
The ministry added that it will keep closely monitoring monkeypox and adjust necessary preparedness and response measures.
“Members of the public are encouraged to exercise personal responsibility by monitoring their personal health and maintaining good hygiene, especially during travel.
They should also avoid close contact with other individuals known or suspected to be ill with monkeypox infection,” MOH added.
MOH’s updates on monkeypox cases may be found here.
There have been over 10,000 cases of monkeypox recorded in over 60 countries all over the world. So far, one death has been reported, with the highest number of cases reported in Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.
“The rapid rise in cases comes as the virus is largely being spread during sexual contact, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM),” said the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy on July 13. /TISG
MOH confirms first local case of monkeypox infection in Singapore