Keeping mpox at bay: Singapore’s latest travel precautions
Singapore is stepping up its efforts to manage the spread of mpox (also known as monkeypox) with a focused vaccination approach. Vaccines are being offered for free to healthcare workers and close contacts of confirmed cases.
According to the U.S. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), “the main transmission route (i)s associated with sexual activity among certain gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM)“.
Precautionary measures have been heightened at Changi and Seletar airports. This includes temperature and visual screenings for incoming travellers and flight crew from areas affected by mpox outbreaks. Similar checks are also in place at sea checkpoints for passengers and crew on ships arriving from affected regions.
Travellers must report mpox-related symptoms and travel history upon arrival in Singapore. If symptoms like fever or rash are detected, the individual will be evaluated by doctors at the point of entry and referred to hospitals for further testing, if needed. Unlike during the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s no need to be quarantined if you do not present any mpox symptoms.
Those suspected of having mpox will be sent to hospitals for further checks. Patients who test positive for Clade I will be isolated until they’re no longer contagious. Infected adults will be sent to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID). Meanwhile, children will be cared for at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Families with both adults and kids affected will be sent to the National University Hospital.
Although mpox Clade I is more infectious, it doesn’t spread as easily as viruses like the flu or COVID-19. The virus mainly passes through close physical contact, like skin to skin or mouth to mouth. Individuals who have had close contact with confirmed Clade I mpox cases will need to undergo a 21-day quarantine and contact tracing.
Even though there aren’t direct flights from countries with mpox outbreaks, MOH still remains vigilant. Health advisories at air and sea checkpoints urge travellers to monitor their health, report any signs of mpox, and follow safety guidelines. Everyone is advised to stay cautious — wear masks in crowded places and limit unnecessary contact.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
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