Precautionary mpox screening to be set up at
Changi, Seletar airports and sea checkpoints
- Singapore will implement temperature and visual screening at Changi and Seletar airports from August 23 to prevent mpox spread
- Similar screening will be carried out at sea checkpoints for passengers and crew from mpox-affected areas
- Health advisories are in place, and travellers showing symptoms like fever or rash will be referred for medical assessment
- As of August 22, Singapore has confirmed 13 cases of mpox, all less severe, with no cases of the more serious strain
- Travellers should take precautions like good hygiene and avoid high-risk behaviours, especially if travelling to affected countries
Starting August 23, Changi and Seletar airports in Singapore will conduct temperature and visual screening to prevent the spread of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) from other countries. Similar checks will be carried out at sea checkpoints for passengers and crew arriving from areas affected by the virus. While there are no direct flights from countries with mpox outbreaks, these precautions are being taken for travellers coming from places at risk.
Health advisories will be given to travellers, advising them on how to reduce the risk of infection. Those showing symptoms like fever or rash will be assessed by doctors. As of August 22, Singapore has confirmed 13 cases of mpox, all less severe, and there are no cases of the more serious strain (clade I). The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global health emergency but noted that the immediate risk to Singapore remains low.
Experts have stressed that visitors from mpox-affected countries do not need to quarantine unless they show symptoms. Since January 2023, over 27,000 cases of mpox have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly affecting children under 15.
Singapore’s Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation and recommends high-risk travellers take precautions like good hygiene, avoiding contact with infected people or animals, and avoiding high-risk behaviours. Those who develop symptoms after returning from an affected country should seek medical help immediately. Close contacts of confirmed cases will be monitored and offered vaccination to reduce the spread of the virus.
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