Singapore Upgrades Measures to Combat Mpox

Singapore — Singapore's Ministry of Health has updated its measures for screening, contact tracing, quarantine, and vaccination to prevent Mpox (also known as monkeypox), specifically Clade I.

The Ministry indicates that medical personnel and healthcare institutions should monitor and report Mpox cases. Individuals with close contact history with Clade I virus carriers will undergo a 21-day quarantine at government-designated locations. Suspected Clade I cases will be isolated while awaiting test results, and all confirmed cases will be isolated in healthcare facilities until the virus is no longer detectable.

Reports reveal that Mpox primarily spreads through close physical contact, so the Ministry does not recommend wearing masks for prevention.

The government will administer the JYNNEOS vaccine to high-risk medical personnel as an additional preventive measure, but it is not currently recommended for the general population.

Singapore has implemented temperature checks and physical screening at airports and maritime entry points for travelers and crew members from areas affected by Mpox.

Local media reports that Singapore has not yet encountered severe cases of Clade I Mpox. All 14 Mpox cases reported this year have been Clade II, a less severe variant.

Source: Xinhuathai