Latest news with #CommunicableDiseasesAgency
New Paper
21-05-2025
- Health
- New Paper
151 new HIV cases diagnosed in 2024 - first time number falls below 200 since 1998
The number of people newly diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Singapore fell to 151 in 2024, down from 209 in 2023. It marks the first time since 1998 - when 199 new cases were registered - that new HIV diagnoses dropped below 200. The total number of Singapore residents known to be living with HIV was 7,137 as at end-2024. The number of new HIV cases diagnosed yearly has been gradually declining, ranging from 300 to 500 a year between 2009 and 2019, to 200 to 250 annual cases from 2020 to 2023. According to the latest data released by the Communicable Diseases Agency on May 20, of the 151 new HIV cases diagnosed in 2024, 93.4 per cent - or 141 - were male, including five teens aged 15 to 19. More than half - 51.7 per cent, or 78 - of all new cases in 2024 were diagnosed at a late stage of infection when the patients underwent medical treatment for HIV-specific symptoms or non-HIV related medical conditions. Similarly, in 2023, 51.2 per cent - or 107 out of 209 cases - involved late-stage diagnosis. Of the new HIV cases in 2024, 27 (17.9 per cent) were detected during routine HIV screening for individuals with sexually transmitted infections, hospital inpatients and those identified through contact tracing. Another 24 (15.9 per cent) were discovered from self-initiated HIV screening and these were at the early stage of infection. Sexual intercourse remains the main mode of transmission, accounting for 96 per cent of the cases. Heterosexual transmission accounted for 38.4 per cent (58 out of 151) of all cases. Slightly more than half (50.3 per cent) of the cases involved men who have sex with other men, and 7.3 per cent involved bisexual men. A higher proportion of this group - men who have sex with other men, including bisexual men - had their HIV infection detected through self-initiated HIV screening, compared with cases attributed to heterosexual transmission. Those who are diagnosed and receive treatment in the early stage of the disease have a good chance of having a normal lifespan. The Government subsidises treatment for Singaporeans and permanent residents. Those who suspect they may have been infected can get tested at most general practitioner clinics, polyclinics and hospitals. Information about the disease and where to get screened can be found at A total of 9,691 people in Singapore have been diagnosed with HIV since 1985. Of that number, 2,554 have died.
Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
151 new HIV cases diagnosed in Singapore in 2024; first time the number fell below 200 since 1998
The total number of Singapore residents known to be living with HIV was 7,137 as at end-2024. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO 151 new HIV cases diagnosed in Singapore in 2024; first time the number fell below 200 since 1998 SINGAPORE – The number of people newly diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Singapore fell to 151 in 2024, down from 209 in 2023. It marks the first time since 1998 – when 199 new cases were registered – that new HIV diagnoses dropped below 200. The total number of Singapore residents known to be living with HIV was 7,137 as at end-2024. The number of new HIV cases diagnosed yearly has been gradually declining, ranging from 300 to 500 a year between 2009 and 2019, to 200 to 250 annual cases from 2020 to 2023. According to the latest data released by the Communicable Diseases Agency on May 20, of the 151 new HIV cases diagnosed in 2024, 93.4 per cent – or 141 – were male, including five teens aged 15 to 19. More than half – 51.7 per cent, or 78 – of all new cases in 2024 were diagnosed at a late stage of infection when the patients underwent medical treatment for HIV-specific symptoms or non-HIV related medical conditions. Similarly, in 2023, 51.2 per cent – or 107 out of 209 cases – involved late-stage diagnosis. Of the new HIV cases in 2024, 27 (17.9 per cent) were detected during routine HIV screening for individuals with sexually transmitted infections, hospital inpatients and those identified through contact tracing. Another 24 (15.9 per cent) were discovered from self-initiated HIV screening and these were at the early stage of infection. Sexual intercourse remains the main mode of transmission, accounting for 96 per cent of the cases. Heterosexual transmission accounted for 38.4 per cent (58 out of 151) of all cases. Slightly more than half (50.3 per cent) of the cases involved men who have sex with other men, and 7.3 per cent involved bisexual men. A higher proportion of this group – men who have sex with other men, including bisexual men – had their HIV infection detected through self-initiated HIV screening, compared with cases attributed to heterosexual transmission. Those who are diagnosed and receive treatment in the early stage of the disease have a good chance of having a normal lifespan. The Government subsidises treatment for Singaporeans and permanent residents. Those who suspect they may have been infected can get tested at most general practitioner clinics, polyclinics and hospitals. Information about the disease and where to get screened can be found at A total of 9,691 people in Singapore have been diagnosed with HIV since 1985. Of that number, 2,554 have died. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Hans India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Singapore reports 151 new HIV cases in 2024, over half diagnosed at late stage
Singapore reported 151 new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in 2024, with 78 of them diagnosed at a late stage of infection, according to the latest data released by the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA). About 62 per cent of the newly reported cases were detected during medical care, with the majority already in the late stage of HIV infection. The fact that more than half of the new cases were diagnosed late is a cause for concern, Wong Chen Seong, head of the national programs for HIV, hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted infections under the CDA, told local media. He said that although both early- and late-stage patients can typically suppress the HIV viral load to undetectable levels after three to six months of treatment, those diagnosed at a late stage often already suffer from serious complications due to weakened immune systems. Treatment for late-stage patients involves not only suppressing the virus to prevent further immune damage, but also managing these concurrent illnesses, Xinhua news agency reported. He added that once the immune system has been compromised, it can take longer to recover, with the duration varying depending on the patient's overall health, age, and baseline immune status. During this recovery period, individuals are also more vulnerable to other infections. As of end-2024, a total of 7,137 Singapore residents were known to be living with HIV. The annual number of new HIV cases in Singapore has been gradually declining over the years, from 300 to 500 cases annually between 2009 and 2019, to around 200 to 250 cases between 2020 and 2023. According to the World Health Organisation, HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) occurs at the most advanced stage of infection. HIV targets the body's white blood cells, weakening the immune system. This makes it easier to get sick with diseases like tuberculosis, infections, and some cancers. HIV is spread from the body fluids of an infected person, including blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal fluids. It is not spread by kisses, hugs, or sharing food. It can also spread from a mother to her baby. HIV can be prevented and treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Untreated HIV can progress to AIDS, often after many years. WHO now defines Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) as a CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/mm3 or WHO stage 3 or 4 in adults and adolescents. All children younger than 5 years of age living with HIV are considered to have advanced HIV disease.
CNA
20-05-2025
- Health
- CNA
Low risk of uncontrolled measles outbreak in Singapore because of vaccination: CDA
SINGAPORE: The risk of large uncontrolled outbreaks of measles in Singapore is low due to the country's high vaccination coverage among local residents, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said on Tuesday (May 20). Responding to CNA's queries, the CDA acknowledged a surge in measles cases globally and regionally but noted that Singapore's numbers have remained low. As of the week ending May 10, there have been 10 reported cases of measles in Singapore this year. Of these, three were acquired locally while seven were acquired overseas. No further transmission to the local population has been identified, the CDA said. This is lower than the number of cases reported in the pre-COVID years from 2015 to 2019, where cases ranged from 16 to 48 during the same period. Measles, one of the most contagious diseases in the world, has been thrust back into the spotlight after the United States reported more than 1,000 cases and three deaths. Southeast Asia has also seen a resurgence of the disease. Malaysia had 156 confirmed cases in the first three months of 2024, according to an April report by the World Health Organization (WHO). There have been more than 1,110 cases in Thailand, while Vietnam has reported 40,000 suspected cases and five deaths as of mid-March. 'Given Singapore's position as a major travel hub and the surge in measles cases globally and regionally, we can continue to expect sporadic cases and small clusters as measles is highly transmissible among individuals who do not have immune protection,' the CDA said. All notified cases of measles are investigated, with close contacts followed up to find out if they have any symptoms consistent with measles, the CDA added. 'They are also advised to receive their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination if they have not done so.' VACCINATIONS The agency encouraged older children and adults without evidence of measles immunity to go for vaccination, especially if they are planning to travel to countries experiencing outbreaks. Travellers who become unwell should seek medical attention promptly and inform the doctor of their travel and exposure history, the CDA said. Measles vaccination is compulsory under the Infectious Diseases Act for all children residing in Singapore. 'We will continue to ensure that our population has high vaccination coverage and we recommend the public to keep up-to-date with their vaccination,' the CDA said.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
COVID-19 cases surge as public urged to stay vigilant: Singapore live news
Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today. The editorial team will be curating the latest must-know local and international news. Singapore is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, with over 25,900 reported in a recent week. Health authorities have stated that current variants are not more transmissible or severe than previous strains. Vaccination efforts continue, with a focus on vulnerable populations. Public health measures, including mask-wearing and good hygiene practices, are encouraged to mitigate the spread of the virus. More on MOH's response to the COVID cases uptick here. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Singapore is experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases, with 14,200 infections reported in the week of 27 April to 3 May, up from 11,100 the week prior. Health authorities confirmed that while the increase is notable, the current variants – primarily LF.7 and NB.1.8, sublineages of JN.1 – do not appear to be more transmissible or severe. Hospitalisations have risen modestly, from 102 to 133, though the number of patients requiring intensive care remains low. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) reiterated that the healthcare system is equipped to handle the uptick, noting that such periodic waves are expected as COVID-19 becomes endemic. Authorities attribute the surge to waning population immunity and continue to encourage vaccination, particularly for high-risk groups such as seniors, immunocompromised individuals, and eldercare residents. Eligible individuals are advised to receive an additional booster dose around one year after their last shot. In response, local businesses have ramped up precautionary measures. Some eateries and transport companies have increased sanitization routines, provided personal protective equipment, and adjusted staffing plans to maintain operations despite worker infections. Officials are urging the public to practice good hygiene, minimise contact when unwell, and wear masks in crowded areas. While the variants remain manageable, vigilance remains crucial. While this isn't a red-alert moment, it is a reminder: COVID-19 is still around. Read on MOH's response to the COVID cases uptick here. Singapore is experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases, with 14,200 infections reported in the week of 27 April to 3 May, up from 11,100 the week prior. Health authorities confirmed that while the increase is notable, the current variants – primarily LF.7 and NB.1.8, sublineages of JN.1 – do not appear to be more transmissible or severe. Hospitalisations have risen modestly, from 102 to 133, though the number of patients requiring intensive care remains low. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) reiterated that the healthcare system is equipped to handle the uptick, noting that such periodic waves are expected as COVID-19 becomes endemic. Authorities attribute the surge to waning population immunity and continue to encourage vaccination, particularly for high-risk groups such as seniors, immunocompromised individuals, and eldercare residents. Eligible individuals are advised to receive an additional booster dose around one year after their last shot. In response, local businesses have ramped up precautionary measures. Some eateries and transport companies have increased sanitization routines, provided personal protective equipment, and adjusted staffing plans to maintain operations despite worker infections. Officials are urging the public to practice good hygiene, minimise contact when unwell, and wear masks in crowded areas. While the variants remain manageable, vigilance remains crucial. While this isn't a red-alert moment, it is a reminder: COVID-19 is still around. Read on MOH's response to the COVID cases uptick here.
