Common Infectious Diseases In Singapore

Despite being a developed country with high standards of living and an excellent healthcare infrastructure, the threat of infectious diseases remains ever present in our country, Singapore. Thus, 4 common infectious diseases children are vulnerable to are Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, Dengue Fever, Influenza and Hepatitis A.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease(HFMD)

HFMD is a common Childhood infection in Singapore. There was an huge outbreak of HFMD in August 2010 with over 30,000 reported cases.  Stringent control measures including the mandatory closure of childcare centers and preschools with significant case number had to be implemented as a result. Fortunately, deaths from HFMD were very rare and no mortality was reported in 2010.

1.    Cause

HFMD is an illness caused by intestinal viruses

2.    Symptoms

After being exposed to HFMD virus for 3-5 days, patients suffer from fever, malaise and sore throat, which are usually followed by the rash
(characteristic fluid-filled blisters appear on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth) 1-2 days later. Others include mouth ulcers, poor appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea.

3.    People affected

The disease usually infects children and is more common in children of younger age.

4.    Target organs or target areas

Hand, foot and mouth are usually affected as its name                 specifies.

5.    Routes for spread

Direct contact with discharges from nose or mouth, faeces or skin lesions of infected people and indirect contact with contaminated articles can cause one to be infected with HFMD. During the first week of infection, the infected patient is the most contagious.

6.    Prevention

·         Affected children should stay at home and avoid contact with other children until they have recovered.

·         Disinfect premises and contaminated articles with diluted bleach solution, using one part of household bleach and 
nine parts of water.

·         Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and wash hands thoroughly.

Dengue Fever

1.    Cause

Dengue fever is a disease caused by the 
            dengue virus.

2.    Symptoms

An abrupt onset of high fever lasts 2 to 7 days with severe headache, severe muscle and joint pain 
and also abdominal pain. After about 3 to 5 days, 
a typical rash appears –flushed skin with little red bumps and islands of normal skin. This is usually after the fever subsides and the patient starts to feel better. However, this is also the more dangerous phase of the illness as the blood platelet levels start to drop. Platelets are essential for blood to clot. Bleeding can then happen. This is known as Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and happens in only about 3% of cases. This is manifested as bleeding spots under the skin, nose or gum bleeding or worse; bleeding in the stomach or intestines, which can be life-threatening. DHF is more common if you have previously had dengue.

3.    People affected

Both Children and adults are affected.

4.    Target organs or target area

Small blood vessels and blood cells, heart, liver and skeletal muscle are damaged in severe cases.

5.    Routes for spread

It is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, Aedes aegypti mosquito.

6.    Prevention

The best way to prevent having dengue fever is to avoid mosquito bite. Aedes mosquitoes breed in small pools of stagnant water like outdoor plant pot bases, and flower vases. Do check your home regularly and empty out any collected water every 2-3 days. On a personal level, insect avoidance measures such as using repellents like RID will also help.

          

Influenza

1.    Cause

Influenza is caused by the flu virus which has 3 main types: flu A, flu B and flu C. Flu A and flu B are responsible for seasonal outbreaks and epidemic. Between the two types, Flu A causes more severe cases and complications like pneumonia especially in the elderly, the very young, and those with chronic conditions.

2.    Symptoms

Symptoms include high fever, sore throat, coughing, headache, muscle aches, stuffy nose, sneezing, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, chills, and stomach symptoms.

3.    People affected

People of any age can be affected. Older people and young children are at risk of serious flu complications like pneumonia. Complications are secondary diseases that are formed in addition to the existing disease.

4.    Target organ or target area

Dengue virus attacks the respiratory tract in humans (nose, throat, and lungs), causing inflammation of the mucous membranes.

5.    Routes for spread

It is spread via droplet infection through coughing, sneezing and inhalations of the infective droplets with virus by a nearby person. Influenza virus is also known to be able to survive on hard, non porous surfaces for up to 2 days, therefore contact of such respiratory secretions on tables, door knobs, etc can also lead to infection indirectly when one unknowingly uses his/her contaminated hands to rub his/her nose or mouth. Transmission can also occur when an infected person shares food with others during mealtime without a serving spoon.

6.    Prevention

 Flu vaccination is the best protection for you 
against the flu. A yearly vaccination is recommended.

•         Having good personal hygiene and being socially responsible:

–        Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water, especially before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

–        Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue 
when coughing or sneezing.

–        Wear a surgical mask if you are unwell.

–        See a doctor if you are feeling unwell.

–        Do not go to school or work when you are ill.

–        Never spit in public places.

–        When sharing food at meal times, always use 
a serving spoon.

•         Leading a healthy lifestyle:

–        Eat a balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.

–        Do 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days a week.

–        Have enough sleep and rest, and keep stress levels low. 

Avian Influenza/Bird Flu(H7N9)

•         Influenza A (H7N9) is known to affect wild birds 
and poultry. The cases in China are the first known 
cases of H7N9 infection in humans. Hence, information available on H7N9 infection in humans 
is still limited.

•         Influenza A is transmitted through direct contact with poultry or birds. The current cases of human infection with influenza A (H7N9) in China appear to be sporadic and isolated, with no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.

•         Prevention – There is no vaccination for this strain. Travelers to the affected areas in China should continue to remain vigilant and observe measures recommended by local health authorities, including:

–Avoiding direct contact with poultry, birds
 or their droppings, and if contact is made, 
 wash hands thoroughly with soap and 
 water.

–Cooking poultry and eggs thoroughly 
before eating.

–Washing hands frequently with soap and water such as before handling food or eating, after going to toilet, or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretion after coughing or sneezing.

– Avoiding crowded places and contact with sick people with fever.

– Wear a mask when you have respiratory symptoms or are feeling unwell. 

Hepatitis A

1.    Cause

The disease is caused by Hepatitis A virus.

2.    Symptoms

Fever, malaise, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark-coloured urine and jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and 
the eyes, are common symptoms for hepatitis A. 

3.    People affected

Anyone who has not been vaccinated or previously infected can contract it, particularly children.

4.    Target organ

The Liver is the main targeted organ of Hepatitis A

5.    Routes for spread

The hepatitis A virus is transmitted primarily by the faecal-oral-route, such as through ingestion of contaminated food and water, or through direct contact with an infected person. Globally, there are an estimated 1.4 million cases of hepatitis A every year.

 

6.    Prevention

Improved sanitation including washing your hands often, keeping food safe, and having vaccination are the most effective ways to combat hepatitis A.

Protect Yourself From Infectious Diseases

Generally, infectious agents can enter your body through 4 main ways:

–        Skin contact or injuries

–        Inhalation of airborne germs

–        Ingestion of contaminated food or water

–        Tick or mosquito bites

By knowing these routes of spread of diseases, you can cut them off and prevent yourself from being infected by these diseases.


1.    Practice good hygiene habits daily to limit the spread of potential germs as much as possible:

–        Wash hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom, before preparing food and after sneezing or blowing your nose. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.

–        Prepare food safely by keeping counters, food utensils and other kitchen surfaces clean when preparing meals. In addition, promptly refrigerate leftovers — don't let cooked foods remain at room temperature for extended periods of time.

–        Clean household surfaces often as microorganism may stay on them.

–        Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If a tissue is not available, cover your mouth or nose with your elbow. After using a tissue, discard it immediately into a proper waste receptacle and wash your hands.

–        Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, since germs typically enter the body through these points.

–        Don't share personal items. Use your own toothbrush, comb and razor. Avoid sharing drinking glasses or dining utensils.

2.    Keep all immunizations up to date for hepatitis A and influenza etc.

3.    Stay at home and don't go to school if you're vomiting, having diarrhoea or running a fever.

4.    Travel wisely and do not fly when you're ill. With so many people confined to a small area, you may infect other passengers on the plane. If you're traveling out of the country, talk to your doctor about any special vaccinations you may need.

5.    See a doctor if you are feeling unwell.

6.    Practice healthy habits to keep the body and immune system strong enough to fight against germs, by:

–        Eating a well-balanced diet

–        Doing physical exercise regularly

–        Getting sufficient sleep at night