Singapore Reports First Community Transmission of Mpox

The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) of Singapore confirmed on April 2, 2026, that two individuals have been infected with the mpox clade Ib variant through local transmission. Both cases involve males who are currently in stable condition.

Health authorities stated that both infections were likely the result of sexual activities. Because mpox is predominantly transmitted through intimate or prolonged physical contact, including sexual contact, the CDA reported that the risk to the general public is currently low.

Details of the Confirmed Cases

The first confirmed case is a 30-year-old male with no recent travel history. He reported having sexual contact and began developing symptoms on March 25, 2026. He was admitted to the hospital on March 30, and laboratory testing confirmed the mpox clade Ib infection on March 31, 2026.

This individual has since been discharged from the hospital and remains in a stable condition. He is required to remain in home isolation until April 20, 2026, pending further clinical review.

The second case involves a 34-year-old male who reported a history of recent travel and sexual contact. This individual had prolonged physical contact with the first case. He developed symptoms on March 26, 2026, and sought medical care on March 31, 2026.

Laboratory testing confirmed his infection with mpox clade Ib on April 1, 2026. His condition is stable, and he has been placed on home isolation until April 21, 2026, pending further clinical review.

Public Health Response and Prevention

The CDA is currently conducting investigations and contact tracing for both cases. Close contacts of the infected individuals have been advised to monitor their health and seek medical attention if they become unwell.

To mitigate the risk of further spread, the agency is recommending mpox vaccination as post-exposure prophylaxis for high-risk contacts. However, the CDA stated that population-wide vaccination is not recommended at this time.

The clade Ib variant involved in these cases is considered more severe than other strains of the virus. In response to the broader threat of the virus, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transport, and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority had previously implemented precautionary measures to enhance surveillance capabilities at Singapore’s borders.