Prof Lee noted: “While we are currently preparing for a potential mpox outbreak of cases based on the current evidence that we know, we are also trying to look at all the other possibilities that could occur and to be prepared for them, should anything change in terms of the disease characteristics.”
The COVID-19 pandemic showed the government the need to strengthen healthcare capacity, such as keeping isolation and quarantine facilities warm, said Prof Lee.
This allows patients with mpox to be rapidly isolated if cases are detected. The authorities can also quickly perform contact tracing and quarantine any close contacts if required, he added.
Mpox is mainly spread from human to human through close contact with an infected person. This can include sex, kissing or just merely touching.
Symptoms of mpox can vary. These include a rash that may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes.
TRAINING HEALTHCARE WORKERS
Assoc Professor Lim Poh Lian, director of the NCID’s High-Level Isolation Unit, pointed out another challenge in tackling outbreaks or pandemics that was underscored during COVID-19: Healthcare workers having to be on the frontlines.
To address this, she said NCID is continuing to train staff to ensure its infection control processes are “excellent at all times”, not just when an outbreak is on the horizon.
Prof Lee also said the MOH is working to ensure that the healthcare system can meet demands during peacetime and also adapt to respond to any future pandemic outbreaks if needed.
Assoc Prof Lim added: “We need resources to care for patients, testing, treating, admitting patients – making sure we get them home safely. NCID is working to refresh these workflows in advance of the next outbreak.
“Most important of all, we seek to grow a spirit of resilience and responsiveness, resourcefulness. And it comes out of a camaraderie from having weathered COVID and become stronger together.”
