Singapore Confirms Imported Monkeypox Case, Flight Attendant Developed Fever and Rashes

The flight attendant first had a headache and fever before developing skin rashes.

For illustration purposes

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Singapore has confirmed one imported case of monkeypox infection. CNA reported that the patient is a 42-year-old British national who works as a flight attendant.

The Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) said the man was in the country between 15 and 17 June, and again on 19 June as he flew in and out of Singapore.

The man had an onset of headache on 14 June and fever on 16 June. After these symptoms resolved, he developed skin rashes on 19 June.

He sought medical attention via teleconsultation on the night of 19 June and reportedly tested positive for monkeypox on 20 June.

He’s currently warded at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID.

Contact tracing efforts are ongoing for the affected flights and for the duration of his stay in Singapore. He largely remained in his hotel room in Singapore, except to visit a massage establishment and ate at three food establishments on 16 June.

Singapore’s MOH said the risk of transmission to visitors at these locations is low because data has shown that monkeypox transmits through close physical or prolonged contact.

The four locations visited by the man are undergoing cleaning and disinfection.

As of 21 June, 13 close contacts have been identified. These close contacts will be placed on quarantine for 21 days since their last contact with the case.

At the same time, two low-risk contacts have been placed on phone surveillance and will receive daily phone calls during the 21-day period to monitor for onset of symptoms.

If they’re suspected to be infected, they will be immediately conveyed to the NCID for further evaluation and isolation.

What’s monkeypox and what are the symptoms?

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus.

The symptoms typically include:

Skin rash
Fever
Headache
Muscle ache
Backache
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills
Lethargy

The incubation period ranges from five to 21 days. Most patients usually recover within two to three weeks. However, sometimes there are serious complications.

Those who are at a higher risk of severe monkeypox infection are young children, pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals.

Human-to-human transmission is generally uncommon but can still be spread via respiratory droplets or direct physical contact with the blood, body fluid or lesion from infected individuals or contaminated materials.

Are there cases in Malaysia?

So far, there are no reported cases of monkeypox in Malaysia. Nevertheless, the Health Ministry (KKM) has taken steps to prepare hospitals and clinics.

The Covid-19 pandemic has also prepared and familiarised most people with the necessary precautions and SOPs to follow in the event of an outbreak.

The MySejahtera app has also included an ‘Infectious Disease Tracker’ to monitor the number of infectious cases such as monkeypox and dengue in hotspot areas.

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