Communicable Diseases Surveillance in Singapore 2009

1 October 2010

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Preface

I am pleased to present the Ministry of Health’s “Communicable Diseases Surveillance in Singapore 2009” Annual Report.

The year 2009 was a most eventful year – it marked the arrival of the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an influenza pandemic caused by a new Influenza A (H1N1) virus on 11 June 2009. Singapore’s first imported pandemic influenza case was detected on 26 May 2009 – one month after WHO’s announcement of the novel virus outbreak on 24 April 2009. Three weeks later, the first local pandemic influenza case was encountered. This case was followed by many other locally transmitted cases, which constituted the first wave of the outbreak in Singapore. At the height of the outbreak, the number of patients who attended the polyclinics for acute respiratory infections peaked at about 25,000 in a week. This was double the number observed in the previous non-pandemic year. The new H1N1 virus also rapidly became the dominant circulating influenza strain in the community. Although the height of the pandemic in Singapore has passed, we will continue to maintain vigilance for changes in the nature of the pandemic.

Following the first reported occurrence of indigenous transmission of Chikungunya in Singapore in 2008, a high incidence of Chikungunya infection continued to be detected in the first few weeks of 2009. With the institution of appropriate control measures, local transmission of the disease was reduced to much lower levels for the rest of the year. Fortunately, the disease is usually self-limiting, and to date, no Chikungunya-related death has been reported. The Ministry will continue to work closely with the National Environmental Agency in the prevention and control of this disease.

The incidence rate of tuberculosis (TB) among citizens and permanent residents declined steadily from 57 cases to 35 cases per 100,000 population in 1998 and 2007, respectively. This was the result of enhanced TB control measures implemented from 1997 by the Singapore TB Elimination Programme (STEP). This trend, however, reversed in 2008 when there was an increase in the incidence rate to 40 cases per 100,000 population. The rate in 2009 was 39 cases per 100,000 population. An important cause for increased community transmission is the delay in diagnosing infectious TB cases. The Ministry will continue to work with the local medical community to better control the spread of the disease.

This report was published from the compilation of epidemiological information on communicable diseases collated through our partnership with the community of health professionals. It bears strong testimony to the long-term commitment and working relationship we have established with our medical colleagues working at the frontline in combating and minimising the threats of communicable diseases.

I hope that you will find this report useful and constructive in your field of work. I look forward to your continued support and cooperation in the national surveillance of communicable diseases.

In order to access the information, please download Acrobat Reader software.

Foreword by Prof K Satku, Director of Medical Services [PDF, 1.89 MB]

Population Profile [PDF, 1.43 MB]

Overview of Communicable Diseases Situation [PDF, 1.44 MB]

Special Feature: Pandemic influenza A (H1N1-2009) and Vibrio Parahaemolyticus [PDF, 2.26 MB]