QuickCheck: Is there an mpox outbreak in Singapore?

Recently, a message claiming that there is an mpox outbreak in Singapore was spreading on WhatsApp.

The claim was accompanied by a photo showing the bare back of a man covered with scars.

Because Malaysia is at risk from imported cases, a recent allegation on social media that mpox is spreading in Singapore raised concerns. But is it true?

Is the photo that accompanied the allegations real?

FALSE

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), the Malaysian Health Ministry confirmed that it had detected a false news report about the alleged spread of mpox in Singapore that went viral on the WhatsApp application.

It said that the image that accompanied the allegation was false and was actually of a victim who was shot with a birdshot or buckshot (lead shot used in shotgun shells). It also said the image originated from an overseas website dated Sept 17, 2022.

“Don’t be fooled by the message. Avoid sharing this message with other family members or in ‘group chats’. Refer to official sources such as the Health Ministry’s social media platforms,” the ministry said in the post.

While there are no new mpox cases have been reported in Malaysia this year, nine cases were reported last year.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently declared the infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Globally, 99,176 lab-confirmed mpox cases, including 208 deaths, have been reported between Jan 1, 2022, and June 30 this year.