First local case of monkeypox infection confirmed on Jul 6

A 45-year-old male Malaysian who lives in Singapore tested positive for monkeypox, the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed on Wednesday (Jul 6).

Some of the symptoms the patient displayed include abdomen skin lesions, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and sore throat. Initial tests checking for other possible medical conditions came back negative. 

The patient is currently at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) and is in stable condition. His case is not linked to the imported case that was reported on Jun 21. 

Three close contacts consisting of two housemates and one social contact were also identified on the same day. They have been placed in quarantine for 21 days from their last contact with the patient and contact tracing is still ongoing. 

According to MOH, monkeypox is a self-limiting disease. The general public is currently at low risk of being infected as the disease requires close physical or prolonged contact in order to be transmitted. However, pregnant women, young children, and immunocompromised individuals remain vulnerable to the disease, added the MOH. 

While most patients take two to four weeks to recover, there is a small percentage of those infected that may fall seriously ill or the infection may become fatal. 

The public is advised to monitor their health and maintain good hygiene regularly, especially during travel. 

MOH said that it will continue to monitor the cases closely and adjust its response measures accordingly.