Singapore Minister of Health Ong Ye Kung said that Singapore will be referring to Monkeypox as “Mpox” instead, in according with the World Health Organisation’s recommendations.
Over the last 4 months, Singapore has seen just 2 Mpox cases, and Ong said that the global Mpox situation has since stabilised considerably.
Singapore previously confirmed its first case of Mpox (imported) back in June 2022, before recording our first local case in July.
This year so far, Singapore recorded 2 cases of Mpox from 1 to 7 January. This comes after Singapore reported 19 cases last year, with its last three cases being discovered on 15 September and zero cases after that until January.
Ong Ye Kung’s Facebook statement
Singapore will adopt the term “mpox” to replace “monkeypox” in references to the disease.
The new name comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) reported instances of stigmatising language being used during the mpox outbreak around the middle of last year. Hence, WHO has recommended the use of “mpox” to avoid the stigma associated with the original name.
Aligned with WHO’s recommendation, we have made amendments in the relevant legislative acts under Ministry of Health – Singapore (MOH). “Mpox” will also be used in MOH’s communications to the healthcare sector and the general public moving forward.
The good news is that the global mpox situation has stabilised considerably. In Singapore, we are also seeing fewer cases than before, with two in the last four months.
Nonetheless, we should remain vigilant. Exercise personal responsibility by monitoring our personal health and avoiding contact with others if unwell. For more advice, refer to the MOH website.