Monkeypox Case Found in Singapore... First Spread in Southeast Asia

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Singapore health authorities have reported cases of monkeypox infection, marking the first spread of monkeypox in the Southeast Asia region. Monkeypox, which has so far spread to 42 countries mainly in Europe and Africa, is gradually expanding into Asia.

On the 22nd, the Singapore Ministry of Health announced that the first case of monkeypox infection in Singapore was confirmed the previous day. According to Singapore health authorities, the confirmed patient is a 42-year-old British male airline crew member. The patient visited Singapore in mid-month and was diagnosed positive two days ago, the Ministry of Health explained.

The confirmed patient is currently hospitalized at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases in Singapore and is reported to be in good health. Singapore health authorities identified 13 people who had contact with the confirmed patient and placed them under a three-week quarantine. An epidemiological investigation has also been launched targeting passengers on the flight and contacts during the patient's stay.

With the confirmed case in Singapore, monkeypox has spread to the Southeast Asia region for the first time. So far, over 2,500 cases of monkeypox infection have been confirmed in 42 countries worldwide, mainly in Africa, Europe, and the Americas, and it is gradually spreading to Asia as well.

Monkeypox is known as an infectious disease transmitted through physical contact, and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), its fatality rate is about 3-6%, which is higher than that of COVID-19.