The mpox outbreak has caused panic around the world. But what is mpox and how's the situation in Singapore? We break it down for you.
It’s official. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern due to the rapid outbreak around the world. The numbers speak for themselves – there are currently over 102,997 mpox cases reported in 121 countries. Closer to home, as of writing, there have been 13 confirmed cases of mpox in Singapore, all linked to the less severe Clade II strain. No mpox clade I cases have been detected in Singapore.
So, what is mpox and what are its effects on Singapore? How can we stay vigilant against the spread of the viral disease? We explain the causes, and symptoms, how to avoid transmission, and what to do if you’re at risk or symptomatic.
What is mpox?
Mpox is a viral disease caused by two distinct clades of the monkeypox virus (MPXV), Clade I and Clade II. This zoonotic infection can be transmitted from animals to humans; it’s also spread between humans. Clade I is known to cause more severe illness and higher mortality rates. This clade is endemic to Central Africa. Clade II, which triggered the global outbreak in 2022, typically results in milder infections.
How does mpox spread?
Mpox spreads through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated environment. Human-to-human transmission primarily occurs via direct physical contact with the skin lesions, body fluids, or respiratory secretions of an infected individual. This includes skin-to-skin, face-to-face, and mouth-to-skin contact, as well as touching contaminated surfaces, clothing, or objects. The virus can also spread through prolonged exposure to respiratory droplets, although this mode requires close and prolonged interaction.
Transmission from animals to humans can occur through bites, scratches, or direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or lesions of infected animals, particularly during the preparation of bush meat. However, food (other than bush meat) and food packaging have not been associated with the transmission of mpox, and the risk of transmission through food remains low.
The symptoms of mpox
People infected with mpox usually experience:
– Fever
– Headache
– Muscle aches
– Back pain
– Low energy
– Swollen lymph nodes
Subsequently, they’ll develop a skin rash with blisters on the face, hands, feet, eyes, mouth, body, and genital regions of the body. The seriousness of the rash varies – the number of lesions can go from one to up to a few thousand. These lesions will slowly be filled with liquid before crusting over, drying up and falling off.
The symptoms last about five to 28 days and usually go away on their own or with medication for pain or fever. But it’s important to note that individuals can remain infectious until all lesions have scabbed over.
How can we reduce the transmission of mpox in Singapore?
Limit close contact: avoid skin-to-skin, face-to-face, and mouth-to-skin contact with individuals displaying symptoms of mpox. This includes anyone with a rash, lesions, or other signs of illness.
Practise good hygiene: this should already be second nature to us. Remember to wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before handling food, after using the toilet, or if your hands are dirty from coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Clean and disinfect objects, surfaces, bedding, towels, and clothes regularly to reduce the risk of contamination.
Practise safe sex: although condoms may not prevent mpox transmission, practising safe sex is essential. Avoid high-risk sexual activities, such as having multiple or casual partners. Be aware that sexual contact, including intimate skin-to-skin interactions, can spread mpox, so it’s crucial to stay informed and cautious.
Avoid shared items: refrain from sharing personal items that may be contaminated with bodily fluids, such as towels, utensils, and bedding, to prevent the spread of the virus.
Take special precautions when travelling: if you’re travelling to areas affected by mpox, stay vigilant and maintain high standards of personal hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, avoid contact with wild animals, and do not consume bush meat. Once you’ve returned from affected areas, monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days. If symptoms develop, seek medical attention and inform your doctor of your travel history.
Wear a mask: if close contact with an infected person is unavoidable, wear a mask as this can help reduce the risk of transmission through respiratory droplets.
Is there a vaccine or cure for mpox?
A vaccine for preventing mpox was recently approved. However, only those who are at risk or have been in close contact with someone who has mpox should be vaccinated. As of now, there’s no need for mass vaccination.
The symptoms usually last for about 14 to 28 days; those infected will recover by then. You can take medication for pain and fever to relieve some symptoms. Remember to stay hydrated, eat well and get enough sleep.
Avoid scratching the skin (or lesions); keep it dry and uncovered. Clean the rash with sterilised water or antiseptic. Rinsing with salt water helps with lesions in the mouth, or try warm baths with baking soda and Epsom salts for the body.
Think you have mpox? Here’s what to do
Seek medical attention immediately and isolate yourself as soon as possible. You may have a case of deja vu ‘cos this brings you back to the first time the world uncovered a certain “coronavirus”. However, it’s important to emphasise that mpox is not the new Covid-19. Mpox mainly spreads through close contact with bodily fluids, especially from skin lesions, and through sexual contact, whereas Covid-19 spreads through respiratory droplets.
Now that we’ve got some recent experience dealing with a global health emergency, let’s do our part to stay vigilant and take precautionary measures to reduce the spread of mpox in Singapore.
