Singapore reports 13th case of monkeypox infection since June

SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Health (MOH) reported one more case of monkeypox infection on Wednesday (Aug 3), bringing the total number of infections in the country since June to 13.

The patient is a 33-year-old man with no recent travel history, said MOH in an update on its website.

The man tested positive for the virus on Tuesday and his infection is classified as a local unlinked case. 

Another local unlinked case was also confirmed on Monday, a 59-year-old man with no recent travel history.

Of the 13 monkeypox cases announced in Singapore since June this year, five are imported and eight are local. None of the cases so far are linked.

According to the Health Ministry, monkeypox is a viral disease that is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. It is typically a self-limiting illness that presents with fever and rash. However, serious complications or death can occur in some individuals.

Those infected usually experience fever, headache, muscle ache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and lethargy.

As the disease progresses, infected persons develop a rash, often starting from the face before spreading to other parts of the body, including the palms and soles.

Symptoms may appear from five to 21 days following infection. These individuals are generally infectious from onset of fever until the skin lesions have scabbed over, said MOH.

DEDICATED ISOLATION FACILITY

On Monday, MOH said monkeypox cases assessed by public hospitals to be clinically stable will be transferred to a dedicated isolation facility where they will have access to round-the-clock telemedicine support.

“These cases will recover in the monkeypox isolation facility until they are deemed to be non-infectious and fit for discharge," said MOH.

Previously, all confirmed cases of monkeypox were isolated in hospitals until they were non-infectious.

The quarantine period for close contacts of monkeypox cases has also been adjusted to 14 days, followed by seven days of monitoring for symptoms via regular phone calls.

According to the ask.gov.sg website, those on phone surveillance can leave their home as long as they are well. They should contact a Health Ministry duty officer if they are unwell.

MOH said that these updated public health measures are in line with the latest local and international data, including those from the World Health Organization (WHO). CNA