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CNA
3 days ago
- Health
- CNA
Singapore 'at risk' of chikungunya transmission: CDA
SINGAPORE: Singapore is at risk of chikungunya transmission, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said on Friday (Aug 8), as the number of cases detected in the country rises. The presence of the Aedes mosquito vector, as well as importation of the virus by travellers, are risk factors for the disease transmission in Singapore, said CDA, adding that it is monitoring the situation closely. A total of 17 chikungunya cases have been detected from the start of the year to Aug 2, according to the agency's weekly infectious disease bulletin. This is more than double the eight cases found during the same period last year, and is higher than the 15 cases detected for the whole of 2024. CDA said that out of the 16 chikungunya cases reported as of Jul 31, 13 had recently travelled to affected areas abroad. The other three are local cases that are sporadic in nature and unlinked to one another, it added. "Should new information surface that suggest an increased public health risk to Singapore, the CDA will review the need for additional public health measures," said the agency. The chikungunya virus is spread via the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, and those infected may present symptoms similar to dengue, such as an onset of acute fever, joint pain, rash and headache. Joint pain caused by chikungunya can, however, last for weeks to months, said Professor Ooi Eng Eong, deputy director of the Emerging Infectious Diseases programme at Duke-NUS Medical School. 'Although chikungunya is not as life-threatening as dengue, it can be very debilitating.' CONCERNS OVER RISE IN CASES The increase in chikungunya infections in Singapore is concerning, said infectious disease experts. 'Chikungunya is a disease of public health concern,' said Prof Ooi, pointing out that patients can develop chronic joint pain that can limit daily activities. Dr Paul Tambyah, former president of the International Society for Infectious Diseases, said the rise in cases could indicate that ongoing outbreaks in the Indian Ocean region - particularly in Sri Lanka - and in China had reached Singapore. More than 7,000 chikungunya cases had been reported in China as of Wednesday, with the US issuing a travel advisory warning citizens against visiting Guangdong province, the city of Dongguan, and several other business hubs. Countries such as Bolivia and island nations in the Indian Ocean were also included on the list of places to avoid. The rise in cases in Singapore is 'not surprising', given the country's position as a global travel and trade hub for centuries, said Dr Tambyah. 'What is positive is that the cases are being diagnosed in Singapore. This means that general practitioners are alert to what is going on and notifying the authorities.' This will allow the National Environment Agency (NEA) to take action to control mosquitoes, which is the most effective way to contain the spread of the virus, he added. CNA has contacted NEA to ask if Singapore has observed an increase in its Aedes mosquito population. SAFEGUARDING AGAINST CHIKUNGUNYA According to CDA, chikungunya outbreaks are rising in the Americas, Asia and Europe this year, and temperate countries which were previously unaffected by mosquito-borne diseases now face a higher risk due to climate change. While vaccines for the disease have been licensed elsewhere, they are currently not available in Singapore, experts noted. This is probably because the risk of infection is "relatively low" and the vaccines are new, so Singapore's regulators are waiting for more safety data from overseas, said Dr Tambyah. 'Until a safe and effective vaccine is widely in use, the best approach is to avoid getting bitten by Aedes mosquitoes.' Dr Tambyah advised the public to use mosquito repellent, especially at dawn and dusk, and to ensure workplaces or homes are not breeding Aedes mosquitoes. 'If you get bitten near a construction site, let NEA know as they track construction sites where Aedes breeding is detected and can issue stop-work orders,' he added. CDA also advised those visiting chikungunya-affected areas to take precautions against mosquito bites. Besides applying effective insect repellent, individuals can wear clothing that covers most of their body and stay in rooms that are well-screened against insects. Travellers who feel unwell should seek medical attention promptly and inform their doctor of their travel history and any mosquito bites. They should also continue using effective insect repellent to avoid infecting mosquitoes, which could then spread the disease to others. Doctors and laboratories are also legally required to notify CDA if they detect any suspected or confirmed chikungunya cases, said the agency. WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE INFECTED Like dengue, there is no antiviral drug that can shorten the duration of a chikungunya infection, said Prof Ooi. 'Treatment is thus directed at alleviating the symptoms, such as analgesics for the joint pain.' Those infected should also seek medical attention to ensure that they do not have dengue in addition to chikungunya, said Dr Tambyah. 'From a public health point of view, individuals should check their workplaces and homes to make sure that they are not breeding Aedes mosquitoes so that no one else at home or work gets infected.'
ABC News
6 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
As Samoa battles dengue fever, here's what you need to know about the mosquito-borne virus
Each morning in Samoa, fumigation teams gear up to spray schools and buildings, battling tirelessly against a dengue outbreak. Since the outbreak was declared on April 17, Samoa's Ministry of Health says more than 5,600 clinically diagnosed cases have been recorded. Tragically, to date, there have been four confirmed and one probable dengue-related death, highlighting the urgent fight still ahead. This effort comes as the Pacific faces a severe surge in cases, with deaths now reported in Fiji, Tonga, and Nauru. Affected countries also include American Samoa, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Kiribati and Tuvalu. So what is dengue fever? And why is this outbreak hitting the Pacific so hard? Samoa has rolled out a large-scale fumigation program in schools. ( Image: Ministry of Health Samoa ) What is causing the current dengue outbreak? Dengue fever is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes. It is transmitted by the infected female Aedes mosquito and causes fever and joint pain. Some patients can suffer internal bleeding, which can cause death. It has long plagued tropical nations, but health experts warn the 2025 outbreak is one of the worst in almost a decade. This is largely because of: In Fiji, the WHO's July data shows the spread of the disease has been highest. ( Source: Fiji's Ministry of Health & Medical Services ) What are the symptoms? Symptoms to watch for include fever, extreme fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, intense muscle and joint pains, and a distinct measles-like rash. Dengue cases in the Pacific are at their highest since 2016, with nearly 19,000 people affected as of last month's figures, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says. Aedes aegypti is the primary spreader of dengue. Dengue is the most common mosquito-borne disease worldwide. ( Supplied: Stephen Doggett, NSW Health Pathology ) Globally, the WHO recorded more than 13 million dengue cases and 9,990 deaths in 2024. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are the primary spreaders of dengue, although another species — Aedes albopictus (commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito) — can also carry the virus. How can it be stopped? Prevention measures include: Eliminating stagnant/ standing water sources — like tyres, open buckets, water-holding containers, etc Eliminating stagnant/ standing water sources — like tyres, open buckets, water-holding containers, etc Use mosquito nets and repellent Use mosquito nets and repellent Wearing long-sleeved clothing Wearing long-sleeved clothing Keep the surrounding areas clean Keep the surrounding areas clean Community spray In recent weeks, Samoa has been particularly affected. Just in the past seven days, more than 1,400 new clinically diagnosed cases have been reported across Upolu and Savai'i. There, families and villages have been urged to actively eliminate mosquito breeding sites by improving waste disposal, removing stagnant water, and clearing overgrown vegetation to reduce mosquito populations. Adapting scientific solutions to the Pacific A mosquito release program in Far North Queensland using Wolbachia bacteria helped reduce dengue transmission by making mosquitoes more resistant to the virus and less likely to infect humans. Mosquitoes bred in jars as part of the World Mosquito Program's dengue fever eradication program. ( Supplied: World Mosquito Program ) Dr Tessa Knox, co-lead of the Pacific Mosquito Strengthening for Impact (PacMOSSI) consortium. ( Supplied. ) Although the method proved highly effective in Australia, applying similar scientific interventions in the Pacific presents unique challenges, Tessa Knox from PacMOSSI explains. "Not all mosquito control interventions are suitable for every setting. The Pacific Islands face numerous challenges: a diversity of mosquito species, remote and dispersed populations, limited human resources, fragile health systems, and competing health priorities. "These factors create significant logistical, technical, and resource barriers. Locally tailored solutions are therefore essential. "Across the Pacific, there is great diversity in the species that can transmit dengue. It is important to know which species are found in which habitats and understand when and where they bite people and transmit dengue." Fighting dengue with better mosquito control and insecticide use PacMOSSI is working to support Pacific Island Ministries of Health to improve this knowledge to tailor control strategies against local dengue mosquitoes. The consortium connects 21 Pacific Island countries with seven international institutions to combat mosquito-borne diseases. "Community-led approaches like removing rubbish in yards and public areas to reduce mosquito water habitats are essential. Knowing which species can be killed with which insecticides helps to select the best option for spray teams to use when responding to a dengue outbreak," Dr Knox told ABC Pacific.
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctors sound alarm as paralysis-causing Zika virus hits US vacation hotspot
A mosquito-borne virus linked to birth defects and paralysis has been detected in Hawaii for the first time in years. The state's health department revealed one confirmed case of Zika virus and two cases under surveillance. The confirmed case was a person who had traveled from overseas, while officials have pinpointed two individuals who 'may have been exposed'. All three patients spent their time on the island of Oʻahu and in the sparsely-populated north shore neighborhoods of Waialua and Haleʻiwa. It is the first reported case of Zika in Hawaii since 2019. Zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes species of mosquito, which also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses. They are common in Texas, Florida and elsewhere in the US, particularly in the south. Most adults do not become seriously ill from the infection, but in rare cases it can cause damage to the nerves, brain, or spinal cord as well as a blood disorder that can result in bleeding, bruising or slow blood clotting. Zika infection during pregnancy can also cause serious birth defects and is linked to pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth and preterm birth. In the US, Zika virus cases are mostly travel-associated, with limited local transmission. The number of cases has varied significantly year to year, with a high point in 2016. In that year, there were over 5,000 travel-associated cases, with 224 locally acquired cases. However, following this high, the number of cases dropped significantly, to over 400 in 2017 and in 2023, there were just 7 confirmed cases. Hawaii's health department says it is currently monitoring mosquito activity in the affected areas and will 'implement further control measures as needed'. Residents and tourists alike are being urged to take additional precautions to reduce mosquito breeding and avoid bites. Some of the recommendations on a health advisory include wearing insect repellent at all times while outdoors and dressing in loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants. Islanders have also been instructed to check their insect screens are intact, with doors kept closed. Meanwhile, any standing water around homes and buildings should be removed, as this is where mosquitos tend to breed. Once it takes hold in a human host, the Zika virus can be spread between people during unprotected sex, and from pregnant mothers to their children. The virus has been found in semen, vaginal fluids, saliva, urine and breast milk. Zika virus symptoms are typically mild and may include fever, rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes and muscle pain. Symptoms typically last a few days to a week. About 80 percent of Zika infections are asymptomatic. There is no preventive vaccine or treatment, according to the CDC. Fetuses' brains can be affected by the virus when it is passed on from the mother and it can cause microcephaly. Microcephaly is a condition in which babies' heads are unusually small, which can lead to seizures, delayed development and other disabilities. The virus can also increase the risk of unborn children developing Guillain-Barre syndrome – an uncommon illness in which the immune system attacks the nerves and can cause muscle weakness and paralysis. While Hawaii has the mosquito species capable of transmitting Zika, health officials say the virus is not established in the region. Mosquito-borne disease experts are concerned that as global temperatures continue to rise, warmer, more humid weather will become the norm in new places, making those locations the perfect breeding grounds for mosquito populations to flourish. And as temperatures heat up and mosquitoes migrate to places they previously couldn't thrive in, their extended reach and longer lifespans give them ample opportunity to spread diseases in new parts of the world. To date, Zika has been most prevalent in Central and South America, Africa and South East Asia. There was an outbreak of the virus in Brazil's capital, Rio de Janeiro, in 2016, and there were fears that year's Olympic Games would have to be cancelled after more than 200 academics wrote to the World Health Organization warning about it.
