Commonwealth _ Singapore has ramped up its efforts to combat the ongoing monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak by introducing new screening measures for foreign seafarers, effective from August 23, 2024. This step is part of the country’s broader strategy to prevent the spread of the virus within its borders, following a worldwide spike in cases, including the emergence of more severe variants.
The Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that in addition to the new measures for seafarers, inbound travelers and workers from regions at risk of monkeypox outbreaks will undergo enhanced health screenings at Changi and Seletar airports. These screenings include temperature checks and visual inspections for symptoms commonly associated with monkeypox, such as rashes and skin lesions. These same techniques are being applied at sea checkpoints for crew members and passengers arriving from affected areas by ship, adding another layer of protection against the virus.
Monkeypox, also known as Mpox, has become a growing concern globally, with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring a worldwide health emergency due to the rise of new and more dangerous variants of the virus. In response to the global escalation, Singapore has taken these proactive steps to mitigate the risk of an outbreak on the island, especially as international travel and trade resume normal levels. The MOH stated that these stricter screening protocols are crucial for detecting and containing potential cases of monkeypox before they can spread further in the country.
The decision to tighten health measures comes after a dramatic increase in monkeypox cases worldwide since the beginning of 2024. The majority of these cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which remains the epicenter of the outbreak. However, cases have also emerged in several other countries, prompting global concern. The recent detection of Mpox Clade I, a more dangerous and highly infectious variant, in Sweden, has added to the urgency of these measures. On August 22, 2024, Singapore had confirmed 13 cases of the milder Clade II strain of monkeypox, but the country has so far been spared from the more severe Mpox Clade I.
In Southeast Asia, Thailand recently reported its first case of Mpox IB, another dangerous variant of the virus, in a 66-year-old European man. This discovery has further underscored the need for heightened vigilance across the region. With monkeypox now present in various parts of the world, including Sweden, Pakistan, Thailand, and the Philippines, the situation has raised alarms about the potential for further global spread.
As of August 2024, there have been nearly 14,000 reported cases of monkeypox and 457 deaths linked to the virus this year alone. The majority of fatalities have occurred in the DRC, where the virus has been most prevalent. However, other African countries have also been affected, with sporadic cases being reported outside the continent. The high mortality rates associated with certain variants of monkeypox, particularly Mpox Clade I, and IB, have led the WHO to declare a global public health emergency. This declaration aims to mobilize international resources and cooperation to address the outbreak and prevent further escalation.
Singapore’s strategy in dealing with the monkeypox threat is not limited to screening measures at entry points. The Ministry of Health has also emphasized the importance of public awareness and personal responsibility in reducing the transmission of the virus. Proper hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing and avoiding close contact with individuals showing symptoms of the disease, are being promoted as key preventive measures. Additionally, the MOH has urged individuals to seek medical attention promptly if they experience symptoms associated with monkeypox, such as fever, muscle aches, and the characteristic rash.
