Singapore to step up surveillance of three infectious diseases from Oct 31

Singapore has increased surveillance for three potentially deadly diseases - Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Lassa fever, and Marburg virus disease (MVD) - from October 31, 2023. These diseases, which have no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments, can cause severe illness and have a fatality rate of up to 50%, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Medical practitioners in Singapore are now legally required to report all cases of these diseases to authorities, following amendments to the Infectious Diseases Act (IDA) and its related regulations in September. The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) will monitor these diseases as they are viral hemorrhagic fevers that can cause severe illness and have the potential for human-to-human transmission.

While the risk posed by these diseases in Singapore remains low, the CDA spokeswoman emphasized that the nation is prepared to respond when necessary. She highlighted that early detection and a timely public health response could include measures such as isolation of cases and activation of contact tracing.

Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine approved for any of the three diseases, although there is ongoing vaccine development for Lassa fever and MVD. Symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, muscle aches and pains, bleeding, confusion, and irritability. The fatality rates of these diseases could go as high as 50%, with CCHF causing severe hemorrhagic fever and Lassa fever posing higher risks for pregnant women and those with severe illness.

Although Singapore's current border control measures cover detection, the CDA spokeswoman reaffirmed that the nation remains vigilant and prepared to respond to any infectious disease threats.