Smoke haze can also be seen in some parts of the country, mostly during July through October. This may pose some health issues, especially to those with respiratory problems.
As for infectious diseases, there have been a few records of malaria, outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease, and a recurring situation involving dengue fever, but these have been proven controllable by the health ministry.
Like most its neighbors, the country has also been affected by the influenza A/H1N1. In the past, Singapore has also been hit SARS. But the island has been SARS-free since 2003.
Other common health risks in Singapore include traveler's diarrhea, cholera, Escherichia coli diarrhea, schistosomiasis (found in fresh water), insect-borne diseases, filiariasis, toxoplasmosis, HIV/AIDs and chickungunya.
As with other diseases, prevention is the key. Disease can best be prevented by making a good habit of proper hygiene, protection against insects, having clean water, exercising extra precautions, having a balanced diet, and a generally healthy lifestyle. A doctor is still the best source of health information if you are feeling unwell, however.
