CONFIRMED LOCAL CASE OF MONKEYPOX IN SINGAPORE

          The Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed one local case of monkeypox infection in Singapore. The patient is a 45 year-old male Malaysian national who resides in Singapore. He tested positive for monkeypox on 6 July 2022. He is currently warded at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) and his condition is stable. He is not linked to the imported case announced by MOH on 21 June.

2.             The case first developed lower abdomen skin lesions on 30 June, and subsequently experienced fatigue and swollen lymph nodes on 2 July. On 4 July, he developed fever and a sore throat and sought medical attention where initial tests for other possible medical conditions were done. When these tests returned negative, he was subsequently conveyed to NCID on 6 July, where he was isolated for further assessment.

3.             As of 6 July, three close contacts have been identified, involving two housemates and one social contact. All close contacts will be placed on quarantine for 21 days from their last contact with the case. Contact tracing is ongoing.

4.             Monkeypox is typically a self-limiting illness where patients recover within two to four weeks. A small percentage of those infected can fall seriously ill or even die. Those particularly vulnerable to complications are young children, pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals. Given that transmission requires close physical or prolonged contact, the risk to the general public remains low.

5.             MOH will continue to monitor the monkeypox situation closely and calibrate our preparedness and response measures as needed. 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.  

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
6 JULY 2022