Singapore has reported the first local transmission of mutated monkeypox, reflecting the new emergence of the potentially deadly virus in Asia.
As reported by the Strait Times, two men aged 30 and 34 were found to be infected with the mpox variant clade Ib. According to the recent report from the Agency for Communicable Diseases (CDA), both infected men are in a stable condition.
According to the CDA’s findings, both men were most likely to become infected with the variant through sexual activities. Both individuals developed symptoms in late March and tested positive for the virus within a week.
According to an official statement, they are currently in home isolation until April 20 and 21, pending further clinical evaluation. The agency confirmed that investigations and contact tracing for both cases are currently underway.
In 2024, the mpox clade Ib was declared a global public health emergency following a rapidly spreading outbreak in Africa. The variant is mainly spread through intimate activities and prolonged close contact.
However, the risk of MPox spreading among the public is low, the agency said in a news release. There is therefore no need for a population-wide vaccination campaign at this time.
Health officials recommend avoiding risky sexual activities and limiting physical contact with anyone showing symptoms to reduce the risk of MPox.
They also advised people to avoid handling and eating bushmeat as the virus can easily be transmitted from infected animals to humans.
The symptoms of monkeypox include rash, fever, chills, persistent fatigue, respiratory problems and lymphadenopathy.
