Confirmed imported case of monkeypox in Singapore

       The Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed one imported case of monkeypox infection in Singapore. The patient is a 42-year-old male British national who works as a flight attendant and was in Singapore between 15 and 17 June 2022 and again on 19 June as he flew in and out of Singapore. He tested positive for monkeypox on 20 June. He is currently warded in at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), and his condition is stable. Contact tracing is ongoing.

2.     The case had onset of headache on 14 June, and fever on 16 June. These symptoms subsequently resolved, and he then developed skin rashes on 19 June. He sought medical attention via teleconsultation on the night of 19 June, and was conveyed to NCID on 20 June for further assessment.

3.     Contact tracing is ongoing for the affected flights and for the duration of his stay in Singapore. During this period, he had largely remained in his hotel room, except to visit a massage establishment, and eat at three food establishments on 16 June. In general, the risk of transmission to visitors at these locations is low, as data has shown that monkeypox transmits through close physical or prolonged contact. All four locations visited by the case are undergoing cleaning and disinfection.

4.     As of 21 June, 13 close contacts have been identified. All close contacts will be placed on quarantine for 21 days since their last contact with the case. In addition, two low-risk contacts have been placed on phone surveillance. Persons under phone surveillance will receive daily phone calls during the 21-day period to monitor for any onset of symptoms. If suspected of being infected, they will be immediately conveyed to the NCID for further evaluation and isolation to prevent further transmission.

Health Advisory

5.     Monkeypox is a viral disease that is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Infected persons would typically experience fever, headache, muscle ache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, lethargy and skin rash. The disease is usually self-limiting, with most patients recovering within two to three weeks. 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.

6.     Human-to-human transmission is generally uncommon, but can occur via exposure to respiratory droplets or direct physical contact with the blood, body fluid or lesion material from infected individual or contaminated materials. The incubation period ranges from five to 21 days. People with the infection are generally infectious from onset of fever until the skin lesions have scabbed over.

7.     Given the evolving global situation, members of the public, especially travellers are advised to maintain vigilance and take the following precautions:

           · Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing after going to the toilet, or when hands are soiled.

           · Avoid direct contact with skin lesions of infected living or dead persons or animals, as well as objects that may have become contaminated with infectious fluids, such as soiled clothing or linens (e.g. bedding or towels) used by an infected person.

           · Avoid contact with wild animals that could harbour the virus, and consumption of bush meat.

           · Seek immediate medical attention if they develop any disease symptoms (e.g. sudden onset of high fever, swollen lymph nodes and rash) compatible with monkeypox. They should inform their doctor of their recent travel history, if any.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH