Singapore issues mpox advisory [August 2024]

Per the Ministry of Health's update on 15 August, the immediate public health risk of the mpox outbreak in Africa to Singapore is assessed to be low.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared on 14 August 2024 (Wednesday) that the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a 'public health emergency of international concern', under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).

WHO said this declaration came on the advice of an IHR Emergency Committee of independent experts, who had reviewed data presented by experts from WHO and affected countries.

In lieu of this, several countries around the world have come forward to issue advisories on the symptoms to look out for, precautionary measures to take, and more.

As part of its advisory, Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) said on 15 August that the immediate public health risk of the mpox outbreak in Africa to Singapore is assessed to be low. While there is cross-border spread of a potentially more severe mpox Clade I in parts of Central and East Africa, the outbreak has thus far remained within the African continent, with no reported cases of Clade I exported out of the African continent.

The Ministry issued the following health advisory:

1. Travellers, especially to countries affected by mpox, are advised to take the necessary precautions. These include:
   a) Maintaining a high standard of personal hygiene;
   b) Avoiding direct contact with skin lesions of infected persons or animals;
   c) Avoiding high-risk activities such as having multiple sex partners or casual sex, and
   d) Avoiding contact with wild animals and consumption of bush meat.

Returning travellers, especially from countries affected by mpox, should seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms (e.g., fever or rash) within 21 days of their return; and inform their doctor of their recent travel and exposure history.

The above aside, the public is advised to refer to a general health advisory on MOH's website — this covers the list of affected countries, local situation update, symptoms of mpox, and more. 

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

To date, all mpox infections detected in Singapore have been the milder Clade II infections, mostly during the 2022-2023 global outbreak.

The ministry added that all medical practitioners and healthcare institutions in the country have been informed to be vigilant in detecting and reporting all mpox cases, including those suspected of Clade I infections. To aid in early detection of cases at the country's borders, all travellers are required to report mpox-related symptoms (e.g., fever or rash) and travel history through the SG Arrival Card.

Any suspected cases of Clade I will be sent for isolation in hospitals, and in efforts to reduce any spread, close contacts of confirmed case will be quarantined and monitored for up to 21 days from the date of last exposure.

Photo / MOH