MOH confirms first local case of monkeypox infection in Singapore

The Ministry of Health has confirmed the first local case of monkeypox.

A Malaysian man, 45, living in Singapore, tested positive for the infection on Wednesday (July 6). He is in stable condition and is presently confined at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID).

According to the World Health Organization, over 6,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported in 58 countries around the world.

However, MOH assured the public that the transmission risk of the infection remains low, but reminded everyone to monitor their personal health and to practice good hygiene, particularly when travelling.

The ministry added that the man’s infection is not linked to the imported case of monkeypox reported last month.

The patient’s symptoms include skin lesions, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and a sore throat.

His first symptoms, skin lesions on his lower abdomen, appeared on June 30, and he experienced fatigue and swollen lymph nodes two days later.

By Monday (July 4) he had a sore throat and fever and was tested for infection. He was warded at NCID on July 6.

MOH said in a statement that it has identified three close contacts of the man. Two of them are his housemates and one is social contact. They have been placed under quarantine for 21 days.

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox, a viral disease that is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, is usually a self-limiting disease. 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 warned.

Should I be worried?

MOH said in its statement that the risk of transmission of the infection 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. /TISG

Singapore confirms imported case of monkeypox virus after flight attendant develops fever and rashes, first in Southeast Asia