Singapore's efforts to achieve measles elimination in 2018

Authors

  • Wanhan See Communicable Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore
  • Yi Kai Ng National Public Health Laboratory, National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore
  • Lin Cui National Public Health Laboratory, National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore
  • Yuske Kita Communicable Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore
  • Steven Peng-Lim Ooi Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Infectious Disease Research and Training Office, National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore
  • Vernon Lee Communicable Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore
  • Derrick Mok Kwee Heng Public Health Group, Ministry of Health, Singapore
  • Raymond Tzer Pin Lin National Public Health Laboratory, National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5365/wpsar.2019.10.4.002

Abstract

The World Health Organization verified that Singapore had eliminated endemic transmission of measles in October 2018. This report summarizes the evidence presented to the Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination, comprising information about immunization schedules; laboratory testing protocols and the surveillance system; and data on immunization coverage and the epidemiology of cases. Between 2015 and 2017, a total of 246 laboratory confirmed cases of measles were reported. The source or country of infection was unknown for most cases (195; 79.3%). There were 22 clusters, ranging from two to five cases. The most common genotypes detected were D8 and D9. Transmission of B3 was interrupted in 2017, and H1 cases were sporadic and imported. Phylogenetic analyses of the D8 isolates showed the existence of 13 lineages or clusters. Although a few lineages were circulating concurrently, no lineage propagated continuously for a prolonged period, and transmission of each lineage eventually stopped. Although cases and clusters were reported yearly, molecular data showed that none of the lineages resulted in prolonged transmission. There were fewer measles cases in 2017 compared with 2016. The higher number of clusters was likely due to the overall increase in cases because cluster sizes remained small. The occurrence of small clusters is not unexpected since measles is highly infectious. The majority of imported cases did not result in secondary transmission. With the global increase in the number of measles cases, Singapore needs to stay vigilant and continue to promptly test suspected cases; vaccination is the key to preventing infection.

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Published

12-07-2021

How to Cite

1.
See W, Ng YK, Cui L, Kita Y, Ooi SP-L, Lee V, Heng DMK, Lin RTP. Singapore’s efforts to achieve measles elimination in 2018. Western Pac Surveill Response J [Internet]. 2021 Jul. 12 [cited 2026 Apr. 6];12(3). Available from: https://ojs.wpro.who.int/ojs/index.php/wpsar/article/view/704

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 3 (2021): July ‒ September

Section

Surveillance Report

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