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| - Last Updated on September 11, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post featuring a viral photo claims to show the first case of Monkeypox in Singapore in 2024. However, our fact check finds this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A viral photo circulating on Facebook claims to show the first case of Monkeypox in Singapore in 2024. The post implies that the outbreak is severe, urging people to take precautions such as wearing masks and avoiding crowds, as the disease is highly contagious.
Fact Check
Did the viral photo show a new and severe case of Monkeypox in Singapore?
No, the viral image circulating on social media is not from Singapore in 2024. After a reverse Google image search we got to know this is an image from Mexico. The image in the Facebook post is originally from October 2022 in Mexico. Then, Mexican infectious disease specialist José Hiram Hernández Jerónimo shared this post. The patient shown in the photo had a severe case of Mpox, with over 250 sores and a compromised immune system. This image has no connection to Singapore’s current situation.
The viral post has used an old image out of context, causing unnecessary fear by falsely linking it to a new outbreak in Singapore. Similarly, there was another Facebook post that falsely alleged Trump is advising against lockdowns during the 2024 Mpox outbreak. Therefore, it is extremely important to cross-check every claim you see on social media, as taking things out of context is a very common practice.
Is Mpox spreading in Singapore in 2024?
Yes, Mpox cases have been reported in Singapore in 2024. As of 22 August 2024, Singapore’s Ministry of Health confirmed 13 cases of Mpox. All these cases are of the less severe Clade II type. No cases of the more dangerous Clade I strain have emerged in Singapore.
However, the viral image going around doesn’t actually reflect the current Mpox situation in Singapore. The severe case shown in the photo has nothing to do with what’s happening there in 2024.
What is the Mpox situation in India in 2024?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 14th August 2024 due to the emergence of a new strain, Clade Ib. This strain has spread rapidly, and India has reported 30 cases so far, with one death occurring in Kerala in March 2024. India’s health authorities, including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), have designated 35 laboratories across the country for testing Mpox, which includes AIIMS, Nagpur.
AIIMS, Nagpur has been equipped with kits and reagents for Mpox testing and will continue to monitor cases in Vidarbha and nearby regions. Health experts, including Prof. Dr. Prashant Joshi from AIIMS Nagpur, has advised against panic but urged the public to take precautions. This is especially important for those in high-risk groups such as children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals (people with compromised immunity).
We connected with Dr Meinkaa Aakash, Senior Manager, Office of Public Health & Research, Max Healthcare, New Delhi, to gain some insights regarding the current situation of Mpox in India. She said, “India is taking important steps to protect its people from Mpox and is preparing for any potential outbreaks. After the World Health Organization (WHO) raised concerns globally, the Indian government quickly ramped up its efforts. They’ve boosted their surveillance and monitoring systems, especially at airports and other points of entry. This means travellers from countries with known cases are being screened early, which helps catch and isolate any suspected cases, reducing the chance of the virus spreading.”
She further continued, “To keep the public informed, awareness campaigns are helping people recognize the symptoms of Mpox and understand how it spreads. These efforts encourage everyone to seek help if they notice anything unusual. Across the country, hospitals and clinics are now equipped with the right tools to diagnose cases quickly, and healthcare workers have received training to ensure they can safely care for patients.”
Dr Meinkaa Aakash also informed us about the steps being taken, “India is also working closely with international organizations like the WHO to stay updated on vaccine recommendations. Meanwhile, hospitals are setting up isolation wards to be ready in case the virus spreads more widely. The country’s healthcare system has come a long way, learning important lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, hospitals are better prepared with stronger infrastructure, more trained staff, and effective systems in place.”
She advised not to panic, saying, “Looking ahead, India’s healthcare system is becoming more resilient. Programs like the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) allow for quick detection of outbreaks, and close cooperation with other countries ensures access to the latest information and resources. If a larger outbreak happens, India’s experience in handling vaccination drives and setting up isolation wards will help manage the situation effectively.”
How does Mpox spread, and should you be worried?
Mpox mainly spreads through direct contact with the rash, sores, or bodily fluids of an infected person. It can also spread through contact with contaminated items like bedding or clothing (fomite borne). Importantly, Mpox is not airborne, so it does not spread through the air like COVID-19 or the flu.
The symptoms of Mpox include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and a rash that begins in the mouth and spreads to other parts of the body. Lymph node swelling is also common. People who have travelled to areas where Mpox is prevalent or have been in contact with a confirmed case should seek medical advice if they develop these symptoms.
Although Mpox can cause complications, it is less contagious than many other viral infections. The best way to stop the spread of Mpox is by keeping up with good hygiene, washing your hands often, and staying away from people who are infected. Also, there are public health measures in place to control the spread of Mpox infection.
Should masks be worn to prevent Mpox?
Wearing masks may help reduce the spread of some viruses, but since Mpox is not airborne, masks are not the primary preventive measure. People with Mpox should wear a well-fitting medical mask if they can’t avoid close contact, like when getting medical care. Others in the household should wear a respirator or a mask when within 6 feet of the infected person for longer periods. Whenever possible, the person with Mpox should handle their own bandages and contaminated linens. They should also use disposable gloves and wash their hands right after.
If help is needed, the person assisting should limit contact and wear disposable gloves and a mask. Clothes that touch the rash during bandage changes should be washed immediately, and gloves should be thrown away after use. You should immediately wash your hands after that.
The best way to prevent Mpox is by avoiding direct contact with infected individuals and maintaining proper hygiene. Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and continue to educate the public on the necessary precautions.
THIP Media Take
The viral photo which claims to show a Monkeypox case in Singapore is mostly false. The image is from a severe Mpox case in Mexico in 2022 and has no connection to Singapore’s current cases. Singapore and India have both reported Mpox cases in 2024. But, these are being closely monitored, and the situation is not as severe as the viral post suggests. People should rely on credible health sources like the WHO and local health authorities for accurate information. Practising good hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals are important for staying safe from Mpox.
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