The Monkeypox virus predominately occurs in Central and Western Africa, that causes a disease with symptoms similar to Smallpox – fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and muscle aches along with characteristic pox lesions.

Monkeypox is a zoonosis: a disease that is primarily transmitted from animals to humans, although human to human transmission can also occur. It can be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects. Detection of viral DNA
by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the preferred laboratory test for Monkeypox.

The best diagnostic specimens are directly from the rash – skin, fluid or crusts, or biopsy where feasible. The incubation period for onset of symptoms can be between 5-21 days with 6-13 days being the average. Symptoms can last from 2-4 weeks.

1The World in Data reports 3339 cases on 22nd June 2022. As of 5 July 2022 there were 7075 cases, representing a 107% increase in two weeks.

2 In Singapore, there are now three confirmed cases including two imported cases and one local case.

3 The iGene (RUO) Monkeypox PCR test targets two specific conservative regions of the Monkeypox virus in addition to an internal control by the use of real-time PCR. Real-time PCR is the same methodology used by iGene Laboratory for the detection of COVID-19. This test is available only for research use, and provides results within 4 hours of sample processing.

iGene Laboratory Chief Executive Kane Black said “In another first iGene Lab has launched a RUO Monkeypox PCR test in response to the recent outbreak of the virus in non-endemic countries. The launch of the Monkeypox test further augments the company’s PCR infectious disease portfolio and strengthens the company’s position as a leader in the field.”