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Singapore confirms first two locally transmitted mpox cases; authorities say risk to public is low
The two cases - both men aged 30 and 34 - are also the country's first reported infections of the more serious clade Ib variant.
A colorised transmission electron micrograph of mpox virus particles found within an infected cell. (File photo: Reuters/NIAID)
SINGAPORE: Singapore has confirmed its first locally transmitted cases of mpox, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said on Thursday (Apr 2).
The two cases – both men aged 30 and 34 - are also the country's first reported infections of the more serious clade Ib variant.
Both are believed to have been infected through sexual contact and are in stable condition.
“As mpox is predominantly transmitted through intimate or prolonged physical contact, including sexual contact, the risk to the general public is currently low,” CDA said in a media release.
The 30-year-old man had no recent travel history. He developed symptoms on Mar 25 and was admitted to hospital on Mar 30. His clade 1b infection was confirmed the following day.
He has since been discharged and placed on home isolation until Apr 20, pending further clinical review.
The 34-year-old man recently travelled and had prolonged physical contact with the first case, said CDA.
He developed symptoms on Mar 26 and sought medical care on Mar 31. His infection was confirmed on Apr 1. He has been placed on home isolation until Apr 21.
"Investigations and contact tracing are ongoing for both cases," said CDA.
"Their close contacts have been advised to monitor their health and seek medical care if they are unwell. High-risk contacts will be recommended mpox vaccination as post-exposure prophylaxis."
The clade 1b strain, which is typically more severe than clade 2 infections, first emerged in September 2023 and was initially detected among sex workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was behind a surge in cases in African countries in 2024.
According to data published on CDA's website, there have been seven mpox cases this year, as of Mar 21. Four cases were reported in the whole of 2025.
Related:
CNA Explains: Deadlier and more contagious – how dangerous is the new mpox variant?
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FAQ: What is Singapore doing about mpox?
Common mpox symptoms include rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, and swollen lymph nodes. Serious complications or death may occur in medically vulnerable individuals.“Mpox is predominantly transmitted through intimate or prolonged physical contact, including sexual contact. Population-wide vaccination is therefore not recommended,” said CDA.
The agency added that for groups at higher risk of exposure, the mpox vaccine is available at the Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections Control Clinic, Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic, Dr Jay Medical Centre and Anteh Dispensary.
The vaccine will also be available at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases from May.
"The public should remain vigilant and protect themselves from mpox by avoiding high-risk sexual activities, such as engaging in casual sex or having multiple sexual partners," said CDA.
"In addition, travellers to countries affected by mpox should practise good hand hygiene, reduce physical contact with persons who are unwell and avoid consumption of bushmeat.
