Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 10:45 pm
Singapore – The Ministry of Health in Singapore says it has recorded 13 cases of mpox Clade 2 infections this year. In a bulletin released Thursday, all detected cases in the city-state were the “less severe” Clade 2 variant. The health ministry said again that, so far, no cases of the more concerning Clade 1b variant have been reported in Singapore.
Global Alarm for Mpox Clade 1b Variant
Earlier in the day, Thailand reported a confirmed case of the mpox Clade 1b strain, which is the second instance seen outside of Africa. The Clade 1b variant has posed a global threat from the increased transmissibility of the virus due to routine close contact. This has consequently raised awareness and warned international health authorities to keep vigilance and take precautionary measures.
WHO Declaration of Public Health Emergency
In the face of this new, emerging threat brought about by the Clade 1b variant, the World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. WHO is making this declaration in pursuit of global cooperation and increased vigilance as a preventive measure against the spread of this more dangerous strain.
Singapore’s Readiness and Response
Health authorities are therefore keeping a close eye on the situation, especially in the light of the recent developments in neighboring countries. The Ministry of Health calls for early detection and isolation as key measures to forestall a possible spread of mpox within the community. The public is being advised to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and seek medical attention if symptoms consistent with mpox develop.
It has come to this that even with Singapore reporting cases of the less severe mpox Clade 2 infections, for instance, the health ministry still focuses on keeping at bay the introduction and spread of the more transmissible Clade 1b variant. For now, the situation is under control, as presently there is no evidence of the presence of Clade 1b in the city-state.
