Quick answer. Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), which has two main types – clade I and clade II. It spreads mainly through close, prolonged physical contact, including skin-to-skin and sexual contact, as well as respiratory droplets at close range and contaminated materials like bedding and towels. Typical illness involves a rash that progresses through stages, with fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache and muscle aches; it is usually mild and self-limiting over about 2–4 weeks, but can be serious in young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immunity. In Singapore mpox is a legally notifiable disease, and a vaccine is available for eligible close contacts and higher-risk groups. If you develop symptoms, isolate, avoid close contact, and call ahead before seeing a doctor.
Mpox drew global attention from 2022 onward, and Singapore has managed cases since then. Knowing how it spreads and what the rash looks like helps you act early and avoid passing it on.
What mpox is
Mpox (formerly “monkeypox”) is caused by the monkeypox virus, which comes in two distinct types – clade I and clade II. Clade I has historically been associated with more severe disease than clade II.
How it spreads
The virus spreads through close physical or prolonged contact – face-to-face and skin-to-skin, including sexual contact – and also through respiratory secretions at close range and contaminated materials such as bedding, towels and clothing. Sexual and other close intimate contact has been a prominent route in recent outbreaks, which is one reason mpox can be mistaken for an STI.
Symptoms and stages
After an incubation period of typically 6–13 days (up to 21 days), symptoms include a skin rash (often starting on the face), fever, headache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches and tiredness. The rash lesions progress in stages – becoming fluid-filled, then pus-filled, before crusting over in around 10 days – and the illness usually resolves in about 2–4 weeks. Swollen lymph nodes are a notable feature that helps distinguish mpox from some other rashes.
Usually mild – but not always
Mpox is generally mild and self-limiting, and most cases are managed with supportive care. However, it can be more severe in young children, pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised, who need closer medical attention.
The Singapore picture
Singapore has managed mpox since the 2022 global clade II outbreak. In August 2024 the WHO declared a global health emergency over a newer clade Ib strain spreading in Africa, and Singapore recorded its first locally transmitted clade Ib cases in April 2026 – with the authorities assessing the risk to the general public as low. Mpox is legally notifiable under Singapore’s Infectious Diseases Act, so doctors and laboratories must report cases to the Communicable Diseases Agency.
Vaccination
An MVA-BN (JYNNEOS) vaccine is used in two ways: as post-exposure prophylaxis for people identified as close contacts of a confirmed case, and as pre-exposure prophylaxis for those assessed to be at higher risk, on a self-paid basis through participating clinics. It offers an estimated 80%-plus protection and is not offered to the general public – it is targeted at those most at risk.
What to do if you have symptoms
If you develop an unexplained rash with fever or swollen lymph nodes – especially after close or intimate contact with a possible case, or travel to an affected area – isolate yourself, avoid close and skin-to-skin contact (including with pets), cover any lesions, and call ahead before attending a clinic so staff can prepare, then get assessed and tested. Returning travellers should watch for symptoms for 21 days and seek care if they become unwell.
Related sexual & reproductive health guides
- Safe sex & STI prevention
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- Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)
- PMS & PMDD
- Perimenopause: the menopause transition
- Preconception health & planning
- Vaginal discharge: what’s normal
- Low libido (reduced sex drive)
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Related condition guides
Sources
- Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), Singapore — mpox public and professional pages (what mpox is; transmission; incubation 6–13, up to 21 days; rash stages; usually mild; severe-risk groups; notifiable status; vaccine as PEP/PrEP).
- CDA — announcement of Singapore’s first locally transmitted clade Ib cases (April 2026; risk to the general public assessed as low).
- Ministry of Health (MOH) / National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) — precautionary measures and clinical guidance (MVA-BN vaccine; response).
- World Health Organization — global clade context and 2024 public-health emergency declaration.