Singapore confirms first case of monkeypox

The patient is a 42-year-old flight attendant and has British nationality. The Ministry of Health said the man was in Singapore between June 15 and 17 and June 19. On June 20, this patient tested positive for monkeypox.

Singapore has had its first case of monkeypox.

It is known that the patient's condition has stabilized and is currently being treated at the National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID). Singapore's Ministry of Health said it was conducting tracing of those who had close contact with him.

Previously, on June 14, the patient had a headache and on June 16, he started to have a fever. These symptoms then disappeared and on June 19, the man developed a skin rash.

Singapore's Ministry of Health said: 'We are conducting tracing on the affected flights as well as during the patient's stay in Singapore. During his stay in Singapore, except for visiting a massage parlor and dining at three dining venues on June 16, he mostly stayed in his hotel room. Overall, the risk of transmission to visitors at these sites is low, as data have shown that monkeypox is transmitted by close or long-term contact. All four locations of the incident are being cleaned and disinfected.

As of June 21, a total of 13 close contacts have been identified, all of which will be isolated for 21 days from the last contact with the patient.

The agency added: 'In addition, two low-risk close contacts have been placed under telephone surveillance. Persons under telephone surveillance will receive daily phone calls over a 21-day period to monitor any onset of symptoms. If they are suspected of being infected, they will be immediately referred to the NCID for further evaluation and isolation to prevent community transmission.