SINGAPORE, 14 July – The Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed a second local case of monkeypox infection on Wednesday (Jul 13).
The patient is a 48-year-old British national who resides in Singapore. He tested positive for monkeypox on Wednesday.
“He is currently warded at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) and his condition is stable,” said MOH on their official website.
The man developed rashes in the perianal region – area of the body surrounding the anus – on Jul 6 and subsequently a fever on Jul 11. He sought medical care on Jul 13 and was admitted to NCID on the same day.
MOH said that contact tracing is ongoing and added that this case is not linked to any of the earlier monkeypox cases announced.
Among the five monkeypox cases in Singapore since June, three are imported and two are local.
The first was an imported case. The patient was a 42-year-old British national who works as a flight attendant. He tested positive on Jun 20.
The country’s first local infection was reported on Jul 6 – by a 45-year-old Malaysian man who lives in Singapore.
Another imported case was confirmed a day later. The 36-year-old Indian national lives in Singapore and he had recently returned from the United States.
The fourth patient – another imported case – tested positive on Jul 8. He is a 30-year-old Indian national who lives in Singapore and had recently returned from Germany.
Monkeypox is a viral disease that is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. It is typically a self-limiting illness where infected people recover within 14 to 21 days.
“Transmission occurs when a person comes into close contact with the virus through an infected animal, infected person or contaminated environment,” said MOH. “There are no specific proven or safe treatments or vaccines available for monkeypox infection.”
The ministry advised travellers to maintain vigilance and take necessary precautions such as maintaining personal hygiene and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms develop. — CNA
