Update on Number of Mpox Cases and Transmission Data
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the quarterly statistics of mpox cases in Singapore and the health precautions recommended for individuals traveling to areas with high transmission. Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye inquired about the drivers behind the surge in cases during late 2023 and the current transmission outlook for 2024. Senior Minister of State Dr Janil Puthucheary reported that cases peaked at 20 in the fourth quarter of 2023 following global trends, though no cases were recorded in January 2024. He highlighted that travel advisories align with local advice, focusing on personal hygiene, avoiding high-risk sexual behavior, and staying away from wild animals or contaminated materials. Senior Minister of State Dr Janil Puthucheary also stressed the importance of seeking medical attention for symptoms like fever or rashes and disclosing travel history to healthcare providers.
Transcript
15 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Health (a) how many cases of mpox was diagnosed in Singapore for each quarter of 2022 and 2023; (b) what drove the surge in mpox cases in the fourth quarter of 2023; and (c) whether there are any signs of a continued surge in local mpox transmission and imported cases in 2024.
The Senior Minister of State for Health (Dr Janil Puthucheary) (for the Minister for Health): Mr Speaker, since mpox was made legally notifiable on 30 June 2022, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has been reporting up to 20 cases per quarter, with 18 cases in Q3 2022, 20 cases in Q4 2023, and zero to six cases in between. The increase in cases in the last quarter of 2023 corresponded with a rise in cases globally and regionally. No new mpox cases were reported in Singapore in January 2024.
Mr Speaker: Mr Melvin Yong.
Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye (Radin Mas): Sir, I thank the Senior Minister of State for his reply. I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State if the Ministry intends to issue advisories for Singaporeans planning to travel to countries where mpox is more prevalent, so that they can be better aware of how to protect themselves against the virus.
Dr Janil Puthucheary: Mr Speaker, I thank Mr Yong for the question. The advisory when travelling is the same as the advice given in Singapore. So, the fact of travelling does not change the advice and if I may, I will just quote from our general advice that we have provided that is worth highlighting.
The following precautions are advised: that individuals should monitor their health, maintain a high standard of personal hygiene, frequent hand washing after going to the toilet or when hands are soiled, avoiding contact with persons who are unwell or objects that became contaminated with infectious fluids, such as soiled clothing, bedding or towels. The avoidance of high-risk sexual activities, such as having multiple partners and casual sex when travelling, the avoidance of contact with wild animals that could harbour the virus and, in particular, the consumption of bush meat. This advice applies whether travelling or not, and, in addition, to seek medical attention if one develops symptoms, such as the sudden onset of high fever, swollen lymph nodes and rash and, when doing so – obtaining medical attention – informing the clinical team of recent travel and exposure.