Measles On The Rise: What You Need To Know
EL Singapore|May 2019

Here’s everything you need to know about the measles outbreak, vaccinations in Singapore, and how to protect yourself in Asia and beyond.

Amy Greenburg
Measles On The Rise: What You Need To Know

According to recent reports by various health organisations, the worldwide measles outbreak continues to expand in over 40 countries, including many Asian countries. Back in February, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning stating that efforts to halt the spread of measles were “backsliding” since 2016, largely due to a lower uptake in the vaccine as a result of misinformation and fear of unsubstantiated side effects.

What is the measles?

“Measles is a highly contagious virus spread through airborne droplets that are released into the air when coughing, breathing and sneezing, and through contact with secretions of the nose or eyes. The viruscan stay active for about two hours after being released into a room,” says DR CHARU NARAYANAN of International Medical Clinic (IMC) Katong.

“The illness can have serious complications, as the virus causes damage by itself and makes the person susceptible to other bacteria as well,” she says. “Children under five years old, those above 20, pregnant women and people whose immunity may be suppressed for any reason are more prone to serious complications leading to disability or death.”

According to Dr Narayanan, the disease incubates for eight to 12 days before symptoms appear, including a high fever, runny nose, cough and eye inflammation (conjunctivitis). One to four days later, spots appear on the inside of the cheek – red with a white centre.

Esta historia es de la edición May 2019 de EL Singapore.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición May 2019 de EL Singapore.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE EL SINGAPOREVer todo
Perfect Pearly Whites!
Expat Living Singapore

Perfect Pearly Whites!

Knowing you have white, sparkling teeth beneath your lips is a sure-fire way to make you smile with confidence. If you've noticed your teeth looking more yellow than \"hello\" lately, perhaps it's time for a visit to a dental clinic for a teeth-whitening session.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2024
Save your Spine at Work!
Expat Living Singapore

Save your Spine at Work!

Sitting in an air-conditioned office has its benefits in steamy Singapore. But, long, sedentary days can play havoc on our necks and backs. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR YILUN HUANG talks about spinal issues faced by office workers, and how to treat and prevent them.

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
Festive Fashion Show!
Expat Living Singapore

Festive Fashion Show!

As the year draws to a close, now's a good time to stock up on festive fashion. White Ginger has released a fab new line just in time for party season. Plus, it's hosting a fun multilabel fashion soiree so you can view the looks with tasty bites and a glass of vino in hand!

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Finding Eco-Luxury in Fiji
Expat Living Singapore

Finding Eco-Luxury in Fiji

Here's a destination that's often a little bit off the travel radar for people in our region - but definitely shouldn't be!

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 2024
48 Hours in Patong
Expat Living Singapore

48 Hours in Patong

CHERRY LAI checks into the sparkling new M Social Hotel Phuket for a weekender full of food, fun and relaxation.

time-read
5 minutos  |
November 2024
Ticket to Thailand
Expat Living Singapore

Ticket to Thailand

Are you physically here but mentally on a beach in Thailand? We've found destinations for two types of holiday-goers: one for someone looking for a place to chill, and another where you can also let loose!

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2024
Laying Out Memories Through Food
Expat Living Singapore

Laying Out Memories Through Food

YASMIN, JESSICA and PEARL are the local co-founders of The Plattering Co. They share their favourite parts of doing business with each other and a few of their hobbies outside work hours.

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
Curry, Spice & Everything Nice
Expat Living Singapore

Curry, Spice & Everything Nice

Craving a curry? Whether you're dreaming of a creamy korma or a biryani, the EL team went all in, indulging in everything from buttery parathas to tangy papdi chaat. We explored the best of Singapore's Indian dining scene, and trust us-these spots will spice up your life!

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?
Expat Living Singapore

Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?

SARAH and BO PINEL of Tekkie Help break it to us that cloud storage is not a data backup. Here's why that's the case and how we can rectify the problem.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2024
A Musical Community
Expat Living Singapore

A Musical Community

The new Pops Chorus and Orchestra at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) has students, parents, staff and even the Master involved. SIMON BURBURY tells us more - including where you can catch their performances.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2024