Singapore

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• A few cases of malaria have been reported over the past years in Singapore (3 imported cases, including 1 lethal, in 2001).
• The increase in dengue fever cases reported in May 2007 (300 to 400 cases per week, mainly in the east of the island) has been put under control thanks to a prevention and eradication campaign. This phenomenon is however recurrent in Singapore: in 2008, around 200 new cases are still reported weekly. Authorities are currently leading a prevention campaign and taking measures to eradicate the Aedes mosquito, which is the disease vector.
• Singapore has been hit by the SARS epidemics in March 2003 (2378 cases, 33 deaths). Thousands of persons were put in quarantine when the epidemics reached its peak. Singapore has been officially SARS-free since May 31, 2003.
• An outbreak of foot-hand-mouth disease has hit 15,000 persons, mainly children, in May and June 2008.
• Authorities keep a close eye on atmospheric pollution matters, particularly in regard to forest fires in Indonesia.
• There is no rabies in the country (compulsory quarantine for imported animals).

FOOD SAFETY

• Tap water is drinkable.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND MEDICATION

• It is required to present a certificate of immunization against yellow fever for travelers who are coming from an endemic area.
Systematically:
• Hepatitis A: the vaccination is available for children at least one year old. For persons who were born before 1945, who have spent their childhood in a developing country or who have had an icterus, it may prove useful to search previously for serous antibodies in order to avoid an unnecessary shot.
• Hepatitis B: the vaccination is available for children at least two months old.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis: get a booster shot before leaving if your last shot is more than ten years old.



Depending on the duration and conditions of the trip:
• Typhoid fever: if the stay is occurring in precarious hygiene condition. The immunization is available for children at least 2 years old.
• Japanese encephalitis: in case of a long stay in a rural area during the rain season.

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURES

• Mount Elizabeth Hospital, 3 Mount Elizabeth: phone + 65 6737 2666, fax + 65 6737 1189
• Gleneagles Hospital, 6A Napier Road: phone + 65 6475 1832, fax + 65 6473 7222
• Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road: phone + 65 6222 3322, fax + 65 6224 9221
• KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road: téléphone + 65 6293 4044, fax + 65 6292 8050

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Firemen / ambulances: 995
• Police: 999

CLIMATE

• Climate is hot and humid all year long. It rains mainly from November to January during the north-east monsoon (alternance of violent and short rains and bright spots) and from May to Septmber during the south monsoon (less rain but more rainy days).
• When to go: between December and April.