SINGAPORE: Singapore has confirmed its first locally transmitted cases of mpox, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said on Thursday (Apr 2).
The two cases – both men aged 30 and 34 - are also the country's first reported infections of the more serious clade Ib variant.
Both are believed to have been infected through sexual contact and are in stable condition.
“As mpox is predominantly transmitted through intimate or prolonged physical contact, including sexual contact, the risk to the general public is currently low,” CDA said in a media release.
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The 30-year-old man had no recent travel history. He developed symptoms on Mar 25 and was admitted to hospital on Mar 30. His clade 1b infection was confirmed the following day.
He has since been discharged and placed on home isolation until Apr 20, pending further clinical review.
The 34-year-old man recently travelled and had prolonged physical contact with the first case, said CDA.
He developed symptoms on Mar 26 and sought medical care on Mar 31. His infection was confirmed on Apr 1. He has been placed on home isolation until Apr 21.
"Investigations and contact tracing are ongoing for both cases," said CDA.
"Their close contacts have been advised to monitor their health and seek medical care if they are unwell. High-risk contacts will be recommended mpox vaccination as post-exposure prophylaxis."
The clade 1b strain, which is typically more severe than clade 2 infections, first emerged in September 2023 and was initially detected among sex workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was behind a surge in cases in African countries in 2024.
According to data published on CDA's website, there have been seven mpox cases this year, as of Mar 21. Four cases were reported in the whole of 2025.
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The two cases – both men aged 30 and 34 - are also the country's first reported infections of the more serious clade Ib variant.
Both are believed to have been infected through sexual contact and are in stable condition.
“As mpox is predominantly transmitted through intimate or prolonged physical contact, including sexual contact, the risk to the general public is currently low,” CDA said in a media release.
CNA Games
Show More Show Less
The 30-year-old man had no recent travel history. He developed symptoms on Mar 25 and was admitted to hospital on Mar 30. His clade 1b infection was confirmed the following day.
He has since been discharged and placed on home isolation until Apr 20, pending further clinical review.
The 34-year-old man recently travelled and had prolonged physical contact with the first case, said CDA.
He developed symptoms on Mar 26 and sought medical care on Mar 31. His infection was confirmed on Apr 1. He has been placed on home isolation until Apr 21.
"Investigations and contact tracing are ongoing for both cases," said CDA.
"Their close contacts have been advised to monitor their health and seek medical care if they are unwell. High-risk contacts will be recommended mpox vaccination as post-exposure prophylaxis."
The clade 1b strain, which is typically more severe than clade 2 infections, first emerged in September 2023 and was initially detected among sex workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was behind a surge in cases in African countries in 2024.
According to data published on CDA's website, there have been seven mpox cases this year, as of Mar 21. Four cases were reported in the whole of 2025.
Continue reading...