MOH confirms imported case of monkeypox in Singapore, 13 close contacts identified

The Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed an imported case of monkeypox in Singapore on Tuesday (Jun 21). 

The patient  — a 42-year-old male British national who works as a flight attendant — tested positive for monkeypox on Monday (Jun 20). 

He was in Singapore between Jun 15 and Jun 17 and again on Sunday (Jun 19) as he flew in and out of Singapore.

He is currently warded at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) and his condition is stable, said MOH. 

The man started to have a headache on Jun 14 and fever on Jun 16. These symptoms subsequently resolved, but he then developed skin rashes on Sunday. 

He sought medical attention via teleconsultation on the same night, and was sent to NCID the next day for further assessment.

Contract tracing is ongoing for the affected flights and for the duration of his stay in Singapore. 

MOH said: “During this period, he had largely remained in his hotel room, except to visit a massage establishment, and eat at three food establishments on Jun 16.

“In general, the risk of transmission to visitors at these locations is low, as data has shown that monkeypox transmits through close physical or prolonged contact.”

The four locations visited by the case are being cleaned and disinfected, added MOH.

As of Monday, 13 close contacts have been identified. They will be placed in quarantine for 21 days since their last contact with the case. 

Two low-risk contacts have also been placed on phone surveillance. 

MOH said: “Persons under phone surveillance will receive daily phone calls during the 21-day period to monitor for any onset of symptoms.

“If suspected of being infected, they will be immediately conveyed to the NCID for further evaluation and isolation to prevent further transmission.”