Singapore Begins Screening Incoming Passengers for Mpox Symptoms
New Delhi: Singapore will implement temperature and visual screening at Changi and Seletar airports as a precautionary measure against mpox (monkeypox) following reports of a potentially more serious variant of the virus in Sweden and Thailand. The move comes after one confirmed case of this variant was reported in each of these countries, prompting the Singaporean authorities to bolster their defenses against the infectious disease.
The screening at the airports will include monitoring incoming passengers for fever and other visual symptoms indicative of mpox. This step is part of a broader effort to enhance Singapore’s surveillance capabilities at its borders. The Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Transport, and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority have jointly announced these measures, underscoring the government’s commitment to preventing the spread of the virus within the country.
In addition to the screenings at the airports, similar protocols will be introduced at sea checkpoints. Crew members and passengers arriving on ships from regions affected by mpox will also undergo temperature and visual symptom checks. These measures are aimed at ensuring that any potential cases of mpox are identified and managed promptly, thereby reducing the risk of the virus entering the local population.
Singapore’s proactive approach reflects the seriousness with which it views the threat of infectious diseases, particularly in light of the global increase in mpox cases. The enhanced border screening measures will remain in place as long as necessary to safeguard public health and prevent the spread of mpox within the country.
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