The Ministry of Health in Singapore (MOH) recently confirmed an imported case of monkeypox. A flight attendant contracted the disease and developed fever and rashes.
Despite the alarming news, Monkeypox is considered a rare disease. Experts likened it to smallpox due to the related virus that causes them. Because of this, specialists hope to alleviate the spread of monkeypox by encouraging people to get the smallpox vaccine.
Furthermore, those infected have the chance to avoid the worse symptoms with today's advancements in medicine. All we need to do is stay vigilant and take note of Monkeypox's flu-like symptoms to avoid its spread.
In this article, you'll read:
- MOH Confirms New Imported Monkeypox Case
- Short Timeline of the Confirmed Imported Monkeypox Case
- Health Advisory from the Ministry of Health
MOH Confirms New Imported Monkeypox Case
The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced a confirmed imported case of Monkeypox in Singapore. The patient worked as a flight attendant and tested positive on the 20th of June.
According to MOH, the man was in Singapore between the 15th and 17th of June. He then returned on the 19th of the same month.
Currently, the flight attendant is warded at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID). Fortunately, the man's condition is stable. Meanwhile, MOH continues to conduct contract tracing for this imported case of Monkeypox.
Short Timeline of the Confirmed Imported Monkeypox Case
On the 14th of June, the 42-year-old patient exhibited early symptoms of headaches. He then experienced a fever on the 16. After recovering from these symptoms, his skin developed rashes three days later.
According to MOH, the man immediately sought medical attention via teleconsultation on the night of the 19th. He was then conveyed to NCID on the 20th of June for further assessment.
"Contact tracing is ongoing for the affected flights and for the duration of his stay in Singapore. "
MOH officials also reassured citizens by stating the places the infected patient visited. He mostly stayed in his hotel room and visited a massage place and a few food establishments on the 16th of June.
The MOH added that they already sent officials to the places the patient went to. Aside from that, they began conducting cleaning and disinfection to avoid the further spread of the Monkeypox virus.
"In general, the risk of transmission to visitors at these locations is low, as data has shown that monkeypox transmits through close physical or prolonged contact. "
Additionally. MOH identified thirteen close contacts as of June 21st. All close contacts will be placed in quarantine for 21 days since their last contact with the positive case.
For the low-risk contacts, MOH officials decided to place them on phone sureveillance for 21 days. During that time, they will be monitored via calls for any appearance of symptoms.
"If suspected of being infected, they will be immediately conveyed to the NCID for further evaluation and isolation to prevent further transmission."
Health Advisory from the Ministry of Health
Because of the confirmed imported Monkeypox case, we need to remember the early symptoms of the disease. Those infected typically experience headaches, muscle aches, and eventual fever. Other signs to remember include chills, swollen lymph nodes, and the development of skin rashes.
According to MOH, the disease is usually limiting. Most patients recover within two to three weeks. However, there are some cases when the virus can cause severe complications to an individual.
Those with a higher risk of infection include young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Fortunately, MOH said that human-to-human transmission is generally uncommon.
However, transmission can occur via exposure to respiratory droplets. It could also occur through direct physical contact with the blood, body fluid or lesion material from infected individuals or contaminated materials.
Moreover, the incubation period ranges from 5- 21 days. Those infected become contagious to those around them if their fever starts. Once the skin lesions reach the scabbing stage, they most likely won't spread the Monkeypox virus.
According to MOH, travellers need to maintain vigilance and take note of the following precautions:
- Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene. Remember to wash hands frequently especially after going to the toilet.
- Avoid direct contact with skin lesions of those infected. This includes both living or dead persons and animals. Wear protection when disposing or cleaning of contaminated objects, fluids, and soiled clothes or linens.
- Avoid contact with wild animals that could harbour the virus. In line with this, you must also refrain from consuming any type of bush meat.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you exhibit any Monkeypox-related symptoms. Additionally, inform your doctor of your travel history if they diagnose you as infected.
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