Singapore has reported 13 cases of mpox Clade 2 infections this year, according to a health ministry bulletin on Thursday. All mpox infections detected in the city-state so far have been classified as the “less severe” Clade 2 strain, the ministry added.
Earlier on Thursday, Thailand confirmed that a recent mpox case involved the Clade 1b strain, marking the second confirmed case of this variant outside Africa. The Clade 1b strain has raised global concerns due to its ability to spread easily through close contact.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the recent outbreak of mpox a public health emergency of international concern after the identification of this new variant.
Singapore stated that it is closely monitoring the global situation. As a precaution, starting Friday, the health ministry will begin screening the temperatures of travelers arriving at Changi and Seletar airports from areas at risk of mpox outbreaks.
