80 people with measles in Singapore as of 5 April
Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2014 1:26 pm
SINGAPORE: Eighty people have come down with measles in Singapore as of April 5.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said among them, 23 cases had a travel history to the Philippines, which announced measles outbreaks in a number of cities in Metro Manila and in Pampanga in January.
MOH said among the 49 local cases in Singapore, half of them involve young children who had missed their vaccination.
In view of this, MOH has issued a health advisory urging parents to vaccinate their children.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that is endemic in almost every country in the world, including Singapore.
It typically begins with fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash a few days later.
MOH said the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination is recommended under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule.
Parents should ensure that their young children receive two doses of MMR vaccination on time, with the first dose at 12 months and second dose at 15 to 18 months.
MOH said pre-school children who have missed their two doses of measles vaccination should be vaccinated without delay.
Those who have not been vaccinated against measles are advised to be vaccinated, especially if there is a baby being cared for at home.
Individuals who travel to the Philippines, including Filipinos living in Singapore who return to the Philippines for a home visit, are also advised to be vaccinated, if they have not been vaccinated against measles, or not had measles before.
The MMR vaccination is available at polyclinics, private general practitioner clinics and private paediatric clinics.
MOH added that most Singaporeans have developed immunity either from vaccination, or through natural disease.
The risk of a community outbreak of measles in Singapore is low.
The public can call the MOH at 6325 9220 or email [email protected] for more information.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sin ... 68864.html
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said among them, 23 cases had a travel history to the Philippines, which announced measles outbreaks in a number of cities in Metro Manila and in Pampanga in January.
MOH said among the 49 local cases in Singapore, half of them involve young children who had missed their vaccination.
In view of this, MOH has issued a health advisory urging parents to vaccinate their children.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that is endemic in almost every country in the world, including Singapore.
It typically begins with fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash a few days later.
MOH said the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination is recommended under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule.
Parents should ensure that their young children receive two doses of MMR vaccination on time, with the first dose at 12 months and second dose at 15 to 18 months.
MOH said pre-school children who have missed their two doses of measles vaccination should be vaccinated without delay.
Those who have not been vaccinated against measles are advised to be vaccinated, especially if there is a baby being cared for at home.
Individuals who travel to the Philippines, including Filipinos living in Singapore who return to the Philippines for a home visit, are also advised to be vaccinated, if they have not been vaccinated against measles, or not had measles before.
The MMR vaccination is available at polyclinics, private general practitioner clinics and private paediatric clinics.
MOH added that most Singaporeans have developed immunity either from vaccination, or through natural disease.
The risk of a community outbreak of measles in Singapore is low.
The public can call the MOH at 6325 9220 or email [email protected] for more information.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sin ... 68864.html