Inbound travellers may be screened for mpox symptoms at Singapore's air & sea checkpoints from 23 Aug 2024

Temperature and visual screening at Changi and Seletar airports will be implemented for those arriving from areas at risk of an mpox outbreak, as well as at sea checkpoints for crew and passengers arriving from mpox-affected areas.

Effective 23 August 2024, Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Transport and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority will be implementing enhanced precautionary measures against mpox at its borders.

According to a press release by MOH, temperature and visual screening at Changi and Seletar airports will be implemented for arrivals from areas of potential mpox outbreaks effective 23 August, as well as sea checkpoints for crew and passengers arriving from mpox-affected areas.

"Health advisories have been put in place at air checkpoints, so that travellers will take the necessary personal precautions to avoid being infected. 

"Travellers are strongly advised to adhere to the advisory, especially if they are travelling to and from affected countries. 

"Travellers who have fever, rash and/or symptoms compatible with mpox will be referred for medical assessment," MOH commented.

MOH has also issued a health advisory to Singaporeans, urging citizens to take the necessary precautions, as follows: 

1. Maintaining a high standard of personal hygiene; 
2. Avoiding direct contact with skin lesions of infected persons or animals;
3. Avoiding high-risk activities such as having multiple sex partners or casual sex, and 
4. Avoiding contact with wild animals and consumption of bush meat. 

MOH has also advised returning travellers, particularly those from mpox-affected regions, to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever or rash within 21 days of return. 

"They should inform their doctor of their recent travel and exposure history," MOH stated.

MOH added that the current precautionary measures to detect and manage mpox cases, remain unchanged. 

"All travellers are required to report mpox-related symptoms (e.g. fever or rash) and travel history through the SG Arrival Card."

Suspected cases will be isolated and tested, with medical practitioners required to notify MOH and contact tracing will be conducted for confirmed cases to limit transmission, with close contacts advised to monitor their health and offered vaccination. 

The vaccination strategy currently targets high-risk individuals, with no population-wide vaccination recommended at this time, though the situation is under close review.

MOH will continue to monitor the situation closely and ensure that our preparedness and response measures are calibrated based on the prevailing public health risk.

Neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia have also issued health advisories to combat the mpox outbreak. Head over to our respective coverage for more details.