Singapore to step up measures to prevent spread of measles after 12 more cases reported
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Twelve cases of measles were reported between Feb 1 and March 24.
PHOTO: REUTERS
SINGAPORE - Measures to prevent the spread of measles in Singapore will be stepped up after 12 new cases were reported between Feb 1 and March 24.
The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said in a statement on March 31 that the 12 cases are people living in Singapore, with six having recently travelled overseas.
Eleven of them were not fully vaccinated, including two infants under 12 months old who were not yet eligible for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination.
Of the 12 cases, eight are not genetically identical to one another, while four are part of a known cluster, said CDA, adding that there is no evidence of wider community spread. Investigations are ongoing.
CDA had said in January that it had found three genetically linked cases, and had stepped up public health measures in February while investigations were ongoing.
It has since found no evidence of further linked cases or transmission into the community.
“However, we must continue to be vigilant as Singapore remains at risk of imported infections with high measles rates overseas,” it added.
CDA said the latest measures maintain most of the stepped-up precautionary measures implemented since February, while ensuring long-term operational sustainability.
These include continued mandatory testing of all suspected measles cases. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and rashes.
From April 1, those in high-risk settings – such as working in childcare centres with infants below a year old, or healthcare facilities with medically vulnerable individuals – will not be allowed to return to school or work until they test negative for measles.
Mandatory isolation of laboratory-confirmed cases, until they are no longer infectious, will also continue.
Those who are not admitted to hospital will be placed on home isolation, and random checks will be conducted throughout their period of isolation to ensure they remain at home, said CDA.
Contact tracing will continue for all infected cases. All contacts – including casual and non-close contacts – will be advised to monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if they are unwell.
Meanwhile, close contacts who are susceptible to infection – those who are unvaccinated or without evidence of immunity – will be offered post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce their risk of infection and prevent further transmission. They will no longer be quarantined from April 1.
Those who work or study in high-risk settings will be subject to additional measures, such as leave of absence from childcare centres and redeployment to non-patient facing roles in healthcare facilities, for up to 21 days from their last exposure.
“While we may occasionally detect small clusters with limited spread given the global rise in measles cases, the risk of large outbreaks in the community remains low due to the high vaccination coverage and herd immunity among Singapore residents,” CDA said.
“CDA will closely monitor Singapore’s measles situation and adjust our public health measures as it evolves, to prevent community transmission and maintain our herd immunity.”
The agency reminded the public that the most effective way of preventing measles infection is to be vaccinated, noting that the MMR vaccine is “highly effective and safe and confers long-term immunity after completion of the recommended doses”.
“High vaccination coverage not only protects individuals but creates herd immunity within the Singapore population that protects those who are unable to receive vaccination, such as infants under 12 months and severely immunocompromised individuals,” it added.
In Singapore, measles vaccination is compulsory for children under the age of 12. The National Childhood Immunisation Schedule recommends that children receive their first dose of the vaccine at 12 months, and the second at 15 months.
“It is important that parents ensure that their young children receive two doses of the MMR vaccination on time,” CDA said.
Adults without previous vaccination or evidence of past infection or immunity should also receive two MMR doses under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule.
CDA also advised the public to adopt precautions, such as getting the full measles vaccination, especially before travel, and avoiding close contact and sharing of common items with those who are unwell.
