Health Risks in Singapore

The island’s hot and humid weather has brought about a unique set of health risks such as sunburn and dehydration.

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. These are things you need to keep in mind when you move to Singapore.

Common Illnesses

Dengue fever is one of the biggest health risks in Singapore that the National Environment Agency, together with the Ministry of Health has a regular campaign to fight Dengue. They regularly check residential and even commercial areas for Dengue infection as well as Dengue prevention by removing possible Dengue mosquito nests such as clean stagnant water. The "mozzie wipe-out" program, and the colour coded alert system in each neighbourhood are just some of the major Dengue campaigns in the country. Learn more about it in the National Environment Agency's Dengue website.

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 neighbours, the country has also been affected by the influenza A/H1N1, but 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 traveller's diarrhoea, cholera, Escherichia coli diarrhoea, schistosomiasis (found in fresh water), insect-borne diseases, filariasis, toxoplasmosis, HIV/AIDs and chikungunya.

As with other diseases, prevention is the key. The 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 healthy lifestyle. A doctor is still the best source of health information if you are feeling unwell, however.