Monkeypox on the Horizon in Singapore
More than 18,000 cases have been filed across 78 countries, with Europe storming the headlines. Singapore’s first case turned up on 6 July, and the tally now reads six local and five imported cases, all under tight contact‑tracing scrutiny.
“Is the general public in danger?”
The risk for the everyday citizen remains fairly low, but questions are piling up as the WHO declared a global health emergency on 23 July.
Are heterosexual networks safe?
Professor Paul Tambyah cautions: “Even though most cases are currently among MSM, monkeypox can jump into heterosexual circles—think commercial sex workers or families.” He warns about our highly mobile, sexually active travelers.
He cites a 2011 study where HIV strains on NCID’s molecular lab jumped from Malaysia to Thailand and back, suggesting a similar pattern could occur with monkeypox, albeit at a slower pace because it’s a DNA virus.
Imported cases and local spread
Associate Professor Hsu Li Yang notes that imported cases could give rise to local transmission. “We’re seeing sporadic, unlinked cases, which indicates the virus is still moving locally,” she says.
Why Europe leads the charge
Europe currently accounts for over 70 % of monkeypox cases worldwide.
Does monkeypox spread only through sex?
Dr. Rosamund Lewis explains that the primary mode is direct skin‑to‑skin contact or close contact with droplets. Household exposures—hugging, kissing, sharing towels—are also on the rise, as highlighted by WHO’s Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Kids on the radar
In the U.S., two child cases have been confirmed. Globally, 81 kids under 17 were reported as infected. While not every child faces severe disease, the group—including pregnant women and immunocompromised patients—is more susceptible.
Severity and hospital stays
Most patients recover without intervention. Nonetheless, about 10 % may need hospitalization for pain management. Professor Tambyah says the cases “have mostly been mild.” He suggests community care facilities, such as a re‑activated site in Pasir Ris, could house those who require isolation.
Rash or blister—first signs?
Contrary to the classic “rash” narrative, recent WHO Europe clinicians observed that some patients present with anal, genital, or oral ulcers—some with no visible sores, just swollen lymph nodes. Fever, colon inflammation, and blister‑like lesions on the chin or chest were also reported.
Typical symptoms listed by WHO include:
- Rash, spots, ulcers, or blister‑like lesions, often in the genital area.
- Swollen and painful lymph glands.
- Fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, or exhaustion.
Stay tuned—this is a developing story and our community’s vigilance will keep us safe.
