Singapore confirms first local spread of mutated monkeypox clade Ib strain

Singapore has reported the first local transmission of mutated monkeypox, reflecting the new emergence of the potentially deadly virus in Asia.

As reported by the Strait Times, two men aged 30 and 34 were diagnosed to be infected with the mpox variant clade Ib. According to the Communicable Diseases Agency’s (CDA) recent report, both infected men are in stable condition.

As per CDA’s findings, both men were most likely to be infected with the variant through sexual activities. Both individuals developed symptoms in late March and tested positive for the virus within a week.

According to an official statement, they are currently in home isolation until April 20 and 21, pending further clinical evaluation. The agency confirmed that investigations and contact tracing for both cases are currently underway.

In 2024, the mpox clade Ib was declared a global health emergency after a fast-spreading outbreak in Africa. The variant is mainly spread through intimate activities and prolonged close contact.

However, the risk of mpox spreading to the public is low, the agency said in a media release. So, right now, there is no need for a population-wide vaccination drive.

The health officials recommend avoiding high-risk sexual activities and limiting physical contact with anyone showing symptoms to lower the risk of contracting mpox.

They also advised people to avoid handling and eating bushmeat as the virus can easily be transmitted from infected animals to humans.

The symptoms of monkeypox include skin rash, fever, chills, persistent fatigue, respiratory issues, and lymphadenopathy.