Singapore has ramped up precautionary measures against the mpox virus by screening for symptoms at border checkpoints after the outbreak was declared a global health emergency. Temperature and visual screening will begin at Changi and Seletar airports, as well as sea checkpoints, for inbound travelers from high-risk areas.
Countries like China, India, and Pakistan have also increased surveillance for mpox. Thailand recently detected a new mutated strain, clade Ib, becoming the first in Asia to do so.
Thailand reported a case of clade Ib in a European male, prompting tighter surveillance and screening measures at international entry points, including Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport. The country will require travelers from mpox-affected countries to register online and undergo health screening upon arrival.
The Southeast Asian nation has seen about 800 cases of the mpox clade II variant since 2022 and is committed to containing the virus as it enters the busy tourist season.
Tourism, a key industry in Thailand, is being closely monitored as the country prepares for a surge in visitor numbers during the upcoming peak season.