Singapore, April 3 -- Singapore has reported its first two locally transmitted cases of mpox in the community, both involving the Clade 1b variant, which is considered more severe, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said on April 2.

The two patients are men aged 30 and 34 who are believed to have contracted the virus through sexual contact. Both are currently in stable condition. The CDA noted that mpox is mainly transmitted through close or prolonged contact, meaning the overall risk to the broader community remains low.

The 30-year-old patient had no recent travel history. He developed symptoms on March 25, was hospitalised on March 30, and was confirmed to be infected with the Clade 1b variant the following day. He has since been...