Singapore reports one imported case of monkeypox

Singapore has confirmed one imported case of monkeypox infection in the republic in a 42-year-old male British national who works as a flight attendant.

According to the health ministry, the man was in the city-state between June 15 and 17 and again on June 19 as he flew in and out of Singapore.

“He tested positive for monkeypox on June 20. He is currently warded at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), and his condition is stable. Contact tracing is ongoing,” the ministry said in a statement late yesterday.

It said the man had experienced an onset of headache on June 14, and fever on June 16.

“These symptoms were subsequently resolved, and he then developed skin rashes on June 19. He sought medical attention via teleconsultation on the night of June 19, and was taken to NCID on June 20 for further assessment,” it added.

It said contact tracing is ongoing for the affected flights and for the duration of the man’s stay in Singapore.

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

In general, the health ministry said, the risk of transmission to visitors at these locations was low, as data had shown that monkeypox transmits through close physical or prolonged contact.

“All four locations visited by the case are undergoing cleaning and disinfection,” it added.

As of June 21, the health ministry said, 13 close contacts had been identified. They will be placed in quarantine for 21 days since their last contact with the man.

In addition, two low-risk contacts have been placed under phone surveillance and 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 taken to the NCID for evaluation and isolation to prevent further transmission, the ministry added.