Communicable Diseases Surveillance in Singapore 2010

1 November 2011

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Preface

I am pleased to present the Ministry of Health’s “Communicable Diseases Surveillance in Singapore 2010” Annual Report.

The year 2009 marked the arrival of the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century. On 12 Feb 2010, in view of the availability of effective vaccines against the infection, the observation that the global H1N1-2009 activity had peaked in most areas and declined, and the fact that the nature of the H1N1-2009 infection is mild, Singapore stepped down its control measures to baseline level. On 10 Aug 2010, the World Health Organisation declared that the world was moving into the post-pandemic period, and the H1N1-2009 virus is expected to take on the behaviour of a seasonal influenza virus and continue to circulate for some years to come.

In Singapore, the H1N1-2009 virus has been noted to be one of the three seasonal influenza virus circulating in the community. Since Nov 2010, it has been the predominant circulating influenza virus. The nature of the H1N1-2009 virus remains unchanged, and there is no evidence to suggest an increase in virulence of the virus. Nevertheless, persons in the high-risk groups such as very young children, the elderly and patients with chronic illnesses, are encouraged to get vaccinated against influenza if they have not already done so. It is also important for the public to practise good personal hygiene, be socially responsible when unwell, and to lead a healthy lifestyle which helps to build up one’s immunity and protects one against infection.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common childhood infection that is endemic in Singapore. In 2010, we saw a huge outbreak of HFMD in August 2010 which was associated with Coxsackievirus A16. The number of cases exceeded 30,000, a significant increase from 17,278 cases in the previous year. Stringent control measures including the mandatory closure of childcare centres and preschools with significant number of HFMD cases, or prolonged transmission of the disease were imposed to curb the outbreak. Fortunately, deaths from HFMD are very rare and no mortality was reported in 2010.

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 2010 remained stable at 39 cases per 100,000 population. An important cause for increased community transmission is the delay in diagnosing infectious TB cases. To successfully control TB, it is important to ensure that all cases with TB are diagnosed early and undergo complete treatment until fully cured so as to curb community transmission at the earliest opportunity. Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) is the international standard of care for TB treatment.

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.

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Foreword by Prof K Satku, Director of Medical Services [PDF, 487 KB]

Population Profile [PDF, 88 KB]

Overview of Communicable Diseases Situation [PDF, 105 KB]

Special feature [PDF, 168 KB]