Temperature and visual screening will be conducted on inbound travellers and crew arriving on flights from regions with mpox Clade I outbreaks. This measure will be implemented at Changi and Seletar airports, as well as at sea checkpoints for passengers and crew arriving on ships from affected areas. The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced this during a press conference on 4 September. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung urged travellers to take necessary health precautions amid the ongoing mpox outbreak.
## Background
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by two distinct clades of the monkeypox virus (MPXV), Clade I and Clade II. The disease typically presents with blister-like rashes and fever, and can lead to serious complications or death in medically vulnerable individuals. Although the outbreak remains largely confined to Africa, there have been two cases of the more severe Clade I reported in Sweden and Thailand. As of 3 September, Singapore has confirmed 14 cases of the less severe Clade II, with no Clade I cases detected.
## Risk of Clade I importation to Singapore low: MOH
The MOH has assessed the risk of Clade I importation into Singapore as low, primarily because there are no direct flights between Singapore and any mpox outbreak countries. However, the risk may increase if the outbreak expands, necessitating preparedness for potential Clade I importation in the coming months. “Singapore’s healthcare system continues to be in a state of readiness from the 2022 Clade II epidemic,” the MOH stated, adding that they are closely monitoring the global mpox situation and expect better data on the disease characteristics to emerge soon.
All travellers are required to report mpox-related symptoms and travel history upon arrival in Singapore. Those exhibiting symptoms such as fever and rash will be assessed by doctors at the borders and referred to hospitals for further evaluation and testing if necessary. Health advisories have been put in place at air checkpoints, and travellers are strongly advised to adhere to these advisories, especially when travelling to and from affected countries.
## What is mpox?
Mpox was declared a “public health emergency” by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 18 August, following reports of more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) this year. In the past month, over 100 laboratory-confirmed cases have been detected in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The disease was primarily reported in parts of Central (Clade I) and West Africa (Clade II) before 2022, with almost all cases outside Africa linked to international travel to endemic regions or through imported animals.
## Future implications
As the global situation evolves, Singapore remains vigilant and prepared for potential changes in the mpox outbreak. The MOH continues to update health advisories and screening measures to ensure the safety of its citizens. Travellers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest developments and adhere to health guidelines to mitigate the risk of mpox transmission. The ongoing monitoring and readiness of Singapore’s healthcare system underscore the importance of proactive measures in managing public health threats.
