Singapore confirms monkeypox case

SINGAPORE HAS confirmed one case of monkeypox after a 42-year old British national who works as a flight attendant, is tested positive for the virus, according to a report by the Channel News Asia.

The Ministry of Health said the man was in Singapore between June 15 and June 17, and again on Jun 19 as he flew in and out of the country. It said the British man is currently at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) and that his condition is stable, but contact tracing is ongoing.

The case had the onset of headache on June 14 and fever on June 16. These symptoms subsequently resolved, and he then developed skin rashes three days later. The man then sought medical attention online on the night of June 19, and was conveyed to NCID on June 20 for further assessment.

“Contact tracing is ongoing for the affected flights and for the duration of his stay in Singapore. During this period, he had largely remained in his hotel room, except to visit a massage establishment, and eat at three food establishments on June 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. All four locations visited by the case are undergoing cleaning and disinfection,” the Health ministry said.

Over a dozen people who had close contacts with the British man have been identified and placed on quarantine for 21 days.

“In addition, two low-risk contacts have been placed on phone surveillance. 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,” the Health ministry said.

Monkeypox is a viral disease and infected individuals would typically experience fever, headache, muscle ache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, lethargy and skin rash. The disease is usually self-limiting, with most patients recovering within two to three weeks. In some cases, however, the virus can cause serious complications. Individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness include young children, pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals.

The Ministry of Health said human-to-human transmission of the virus is generally uncommon, but can occur via exposure to respiratory droplets or direct physical contact with the blood, body fluid or lesion material from infected individuals or contaminated materials. The incubation period ranges from five to 21 days. Those with the infection are generally infectious from onset of fever until the skin lesions have scabbed over.

Given the evolving global situation, the Ministry of Health advised the public, especially travellers, to maintain vigilance and take the following precautions:

·        Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing after going to the toilet, or when hands are soiled.

·        Avoid direct contact with skin lesions of infected living or dead persons or animals, as well as objects that may have become contaminated with infectious fluids, such as soiled clothing or linens used by an infected person.

·        Avoid contact with wild animals that could harbour the virus, and consumption of bush meat.

·        Seek immediate medical attention if they develop any disease symptoms compatible with monkeypox. Such symptoms include the sudden onset of high fever, swollen lymph nodes and rash. These individuals should inform their doctor of their recent travel history, if any. (CNA, Mindanao Examiner)