17 confirmed measles cases at Punggol foreign worker dorm & home for intellectually disabled

116 cases of measles were reported in 2019 so far.

Joshua Lee | July 25, 2019, 12:18 PM

Singapore's Ministry of Health recently confirmed 17 new cases of measles as of 22 July, 2019.

14 of the new cases came from MINDSville@Napiri, a residential home for the intellectually disabled, and another three were from S11 Dormitory, a foreign worker dormitory at Punggol.

Residents and staff infected

The measles infection cluster at MINDSville@Napiri infected 12 residents and two staff . All the cases were treated and isolated.

Of the 14, six were hospitalised. Since then, one of the six has been discharged while the remaining five are in stable condition.

All residents and staff in MINDSville@Napiri who did not have proof of immunity to measles were given the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccination on July 22.

MOH has also advised the home on vaccination recommendations for close contacts, and enhanced infection prevention and control measures.

Staff and residents of MINDSville@Napiri were reminded to maintain high standards of hygiene.

In particular, staff were reminded to wear gloves and protective equipment when tending to symptomatic residents. Residents who need to leave the home for actives or appointments will also be screened for symptoms prior.

1 Bangladeshi, 2 Indian workers infected

All three infected foreign workers from the S11 Dormitory were hospitalised after they were diagnosed and have since been discharged. All three cases are no longer infectious.

According to MOH, the Bangladeshi worker had recently returned from Bangladesh while the Indian workers had no recent travel history. All three workers reside in different blocks in the dormitory and they work at different sites for different companies.

MOH is currently investigating if the three cases are linked. In the meantime, it is working with companies to screen and vaccinate all close contacts of the three foreign workers. These include their roommates and co-workers.

As of July 22, 50 such close contacts were identified and vaccinated. The ministry is also offering MMR vaccinations to all dormitory residents who stay on the same floors as the infected cases and who do not have proof of vaccination or immunity. 

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious infection that affects the respiratory system and results in a skin rash. While it can affect people of all ages, it is more common among children.

Initial symptoms include coughing, runny nose, red eyes, and a fever.

Then, bluish-white spots -- which are known as Koplik's Spots -- appear on the insides of the cheek. A skin rash may also appear on the face, neck, body, palms, and soles of the feet.

Koplik's Spots in a patient's mouth. Via.

Complications from measles include ear infections, pneumonia, and in severe cases, infection of the brain.

The way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.

In Singapore, this is compulsory for children as they have higher risk of developing complications. They are given a first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 months of age, and a second dose at 15 to 18 months of age.

Global increase in measles cases recently

According to MOH, declining vaccination coverage in many countries has led to a recent global increase in measles outbreaks.

Singapore, being a travel hub, is affected by this global increase in outbreaks. From January 1, 2019 to  July 22, 2019, 116 measles cases have been reported.

Of these, 88 cases were local while 28 were imported from Bangladesh, Dubai, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

MOH recommends adults to be vaccinated if they have no immunity against measles. It says:

"The MMR vaccination is available at polyclinics, private general practitioner clinics and private paediatric clinics. It is fully subsidised for children (Singapore Citizens) at polyclinics. MediSave can also be used at the private general practitioner and private paediatric clinics for both adults and children."

You can read MOH's press release here.

Top image via Google Maps.