What is the new mpox strain clade 1b? Is it as contagious as COVID-19, and how likely is it to reach Singapore?
An undated colourised transmission electron micrograph of mpox virus particles found within an infected cell cultured in the laboratory, captured at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Integrated Research Facility in Fort Detrick, Maryland. The latest surge of mpox has been of the deadlier strain, clade 1b.
It added experts believe that the real figure was higher than that as a large proportion of clinically compatible cases had not been tested. If an infected person touches items such as clothing, bedding, towels, objects and surfaces, the virus can also linger on it. “The ability of the virus to mutate is much lesser - they are double-stranded DNA, unlike the single-stranded RNA of mpox.”To protect against the spread of mpox, one should maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and avoid direct contact with the skin lesions of those infected, said Singapore’s Ministry of Health on Thursday.The public is also advised to refrain from contact with wild animals and consuming bush meat.
“WHO currently recommends vaccines for people who have been close contacts of someone who has mpox, or people who belong to a group at high risk of exposure to mpox.” For infected people who have intact immune systems and no skin disease, supportive care and pain control will help them recover without medical treatment.
In Japan, its foreign ministry issued a level-one health alert on Aug 15, warning its citizens to be cautious when travelling to or staying in seven African countries.The WHO noted in its announcement on Aug 14 that it anticipates an immediate funding requirement “of an initial US$15 million to support surveillance, preparedness and response activities”.
But, even with Singapore’s stepped-up measures in place, Dr Leong noted that it “won’t help” to curb the spread of mpox.
World Health Organization Infectious Diseases CNA Explains MOH
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