Singapore Enhances Mpox Screening Measures at All Airports and Sea Checkpoints
Singapore is introducing heightened temperature and visual screening at Changi and Seletar airports to prevent the importation of mpox starting today. These enhanced measures will also be applied at sea checkpoints for vessels arriving from regions affected by mpox. Although there are no direct flights between Singapore and countries experiencing mpox outbreaks, the Ministry of Health (MOH) aims to strengthen its surveillance capabilities at border entry points. Travellers from potentially exposed areas are advised to follow health advisories and promptly report any symptoms, including fever or rash, for immediate medical evaluation.
As of 22 August, Singapore has recorded 13 mpox cases this year, all linked to the milder clade II infections. The MOH is closely monitoring global developments, noting that the outbreak remains predominantly confined to Africa. Isolated cases of the more severe mpox clade I have been reported in Sweden and Thailand, but no local spread has been detected in these countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years on 14 August. Despite this, Singapore’s immediate risk is considered low at the moment, and existing precautionary measures are deemed adequate.
Mpox Spread Different from COVID-19: No Need for Mask Panic Says Experts
In light of recent developments, health experts stress that there is no need for mass panic or widespread mask usage, as mpox is not spread via respiratory droplets like COVID-19. Instead, mpox primarily spreads through direct contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids of infected individuals. The availability of effective vaccines plays a crucial role in preventing and controlling the disease, with post-exposure vaccination proving effective in managing outbreaks.
The WHO reports over 27,000 mpox cases and more than 1,100 deaths globally since January 2023, predominantly affecting children in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Experts, including Professor Teo Yik Ying from the National University of Singapore, highlight that while new strains of mpox are concerning, the situation is not comparable to the rapid transmission observed with COVID-19.
Professor Paul Tambyah, president of the International Society for Infectious Diseases, highlighted that unlike other recent public health crises, mpox has highly effective vaccines that prevent both infection and transmission. He noted that post-exposure vaccination has proven successful in controlling outbreaks in Europe and North America during 2022-2023. Limited vaccine access in Africa has led to this second global mpox emergency. Additionally, he emphasised that mask wearing is not necessary as the disease has never been documented to be spread by the respiratory route, although it has been thought to contribute to one or two cases.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has urged vigilance, given the potential for mpox to spread to other regions. However, he reassures that Singapore’s current measures are appropriate for managing the risk. The experts reiterated that currently, there is no need for panic as mpox is mainly transmitted among those engaged in high-risk sexual activities.
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to stay updated on mpox developments, report and manage cases effectively, and continue to educate travellers on precautionary measures to prevent further transmission.
Adapted from:
1. The Business Times. No need to rush for masks, mpox is not the new Covid-19: Experts. Available from: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/no-need-rush-masks-mpox-not-new-covid-19-experts. Accessed: 23 Aug 2024.
2. The Straits Times. Precautionary mpox screening to be set up at Changi, Seletar airports and sea checkpoints. Available from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/precautionary-mpox-screening-to-be-set-up-at-changi-seletar-airports-and-sea-checkpoints. Accessed: 23 Aug 2024.
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