Singapore confirms first two locally transmitted mpox cases; authorities say risk to public is low

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. Twenty-three cases were reported in the whole of 2025.