Epidemiology of diarrhoeal diseases in Singapore

Diarrhoeal diseases in the form of bacterial food poisoning are prevalent in Singapore. Common food poisoning organisms implicated were Staphylococcus aureus, non-thypoid Salmonellae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. El tor cholera, believed to be introduced through intra-regional trade and travel, occurred sporadically with a common source outbreak, probably food-borne, in September 1978. Shigellosis and amoebiasis were mainly confined to areas where poor personal hygiene was prevalent. The incidence of enteric favers (typhoid and paratyphoid) continued to decline with 39.1% of the cases imported in 1978. Non-bacterial diarrhoeal diseases, including rotavirus, constituted 8--90% of the cases. The emergence of multiple antibiotic resistance enterobacteria which gave rise to occasional outbreaks in institutions, is a matter of concern. Control of diarrhoel diseases is directed mainly at food control and legislation and health education, backed by a high standard of environmental sanitation and a well-established system of epidemiological survelliance. The use of oral rehydration solution for the treatment of diarrhoea is being promoted.