A new imported case of monkeypox is confirmed, with contact tracing underway.
On Thursday, July 7, Singapore’s Ministry of Health confirmed an additional imported case of monkeypox in the country. The patient is a 36-year-old Indian national residing in Singapore, who had recently returned from the United States.
The individual has been admitted to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), where his condition is reported to be stable. According to the Ministry of Health’s update, the patient began experiencing anal discomfort on June 28, followed by other symptoms, including rashes typically associated with monkeypox, over the next few days.
Seeking medical attention on Wednesday, the patient was transferred to the NCID the same day and tested positive for monkeypox on Thursday. Contact tracing efforts are currently underway.
This case marks the second imported monkeypox infection in Singapore this year. The first case involved a 42-year-old British flight attendant who tested positive last month. Additionally, the country reported its first local monkeypox infection on Wednesday, involving a 45-year-old Malaysian man living in Singapore.
The three cases are not connected.
Monkeypox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, typically self-limiting, with patients recovering within two to four weeks. However, a small percentage of those infected may experience severe illness or even death, particularly young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The Ministry of Health has reassured the public that the overall risk remains low, as the virus spreads primarily through close physical or prolonged contact.
