Singapore confirms one imported case of vaccine-associated polio; low risk of community transmission

By:
On:
In: Asia

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Health ( MOH) on Friday ( Feb 7 ) confirmed one imported case of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis in Singapore, adding that its findings so far indicate a low risk of community transmission. &nbsp,

The client is a five-month-old women Indian infant who arrived on Jan 26 for health care.

The case, according to MOH, has an immunocompromised history and has previously received two doses of inactivated polio vaccine ( IPV ) and oral polio vaccine ( OPV ) in Indonesia. &nbsp,

She had developed disease, chronic floppiness and numbness of the lower legs in December 2024 while in Indonesia. Poliomyelitis was never suspected by her physician then, said the government. &nbsp,

On January 26, she was medically evacuated for treatment of her symptoms and was then flown to the National University Hospital ( NUH) upon arrival in Singapore. The baby is already in stable condition.

” Our studies so far indicate reduced chance of community transmission. When arriving in Singapore, the circumstance was immediately conveyed to NUH, where it was later isolated. When suspected of having poliomyelitis illness, she was likewise subject to the correct infection prevention and control measures, according to MOH.

” Now three near connections, who are home people or caretakers of the case, have been quarantined as a cautionary measure”.

Poliomyelitis is brought on by the poliovirus and is primarily transmitted through food that has intestinal materials infected. &nbsp,

Vaccination is the most powerful defense against poliomyelitis, alongside maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, said the health department. &nbsp,

There are two vaccines for smallpox – OPV, which contains live attenuated or diminished poliovirus, and IPV, which does not have any life poliovirus. &nbsp,

Singapore stopped using OPV in 2021, according to MOH, and many other nations have gradually switched to IPV. &nbsp,

An extremely uncommon undesirable event that results from vaccine-associated anesthetic poliomyelitis occurs when an individual develops paralytic polio after receiving OPV. The danger is higher for those who have immunocompromised, for whom IPV is suggested rather than OPV.

Singapore has not yet reported any instances of smallpox that have been directly acquired since 1978. The last influenza situation reported in 2006 was an imported circumstance, added the government.

Singapore has maintained its status as a “polio-free nation” by maintaining high levels of environmental hygiene and sanitation, higher levels of polio vaccination coverage, and a robust security system to identify potential poliomyelitis situations.

Under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), toddlers receive a total of five vaccine doses – three IPV doses for babies at two decades, four times, and six times, with another two booster doses of IPV at 18 weeks and 10 to 11 years old both. &nbsp,

” As the IPV does not have live influenza, it carries no risk of vaccine-associated anesthetic poliomyelitis. All Taiwanese kids are free to receive vaccinations under the NCIS at Community Health Assist Scheme General Practitioner facilities and polyclinics, according to the government. &nbsp,
 

Continue Reading

Coast guard took ‘appropriate enforcement action’ as Indonesian fishing boats entered Singapore waters: SPF

By:
On:
In: Asia

Indonesian fishing boats repeatedly entered Singapore waters, the Police Coast Guard said on Thursday ( Jan 2 ), prompting the Singapore Police Force to take “appropriate enforcement action.” &nbsp, SPF said it was informed of news reports and a video that Indonesian fishermen who were fishing in Singapore’s territorial watersContinue Reading

Singaporean parents shell out thousands of dollars to send preschoolers on Japan exchange programme

By:
On:
In: Asia

” Singapore’s knowledge is different, and we really wanted her to experience the land and fringes a little. For example, her class in Singapore is air-conditioned, but the Chinese school is not”, he said.

In Singapore, the kids are “more protected, with a bigger perception of self-entitlement”, he added.

The courses also had a lower teacher-to-students proportion than in Singapore, where the Early Childhood Development Agency’s laws imply one staff member to every 20 to 25 babies for Eden’s time party.

” Each course had 13 individuals including her. The education included a half day of scientific work and a half day of outdoor play, according to Mr. Sim.

Singapore, according to him, places a higher emphasis on intellectual teaching, and the curriculum begins earlier in the school year.

” But in Japan, it is about personal development and the softer aspects, such as motor skills and interpersonal skills” .&nbsp,

Mr Chia also said the Chinese education is “more nature-based and experienced” compared to up in Singapore, where Leanne is enrolled in Zion Bishan Kindercare Child.

For example, Leanne experienced something new every day during each of her five weeks of classes that, according to Ms. Chia.

” There was a time when they prepared the food and served their own meal. Therefore because it was Halloween, they even had a tiny Halloween rally, walking around Omori area. On another day, they went on a nature walk.

It kind of broadened her frontiers and made it easier for her to understand the differences between them.

OVERCOMING THE Speech Hurdle

Both kids informed CNA that neither of their children nor they do not talk Japanese. However, their kids were able to survive despite the language barrier.

First, Eden and her colleagues relied heavily on brain vocabulary and the teachers ‘ versions to communicate, said Mr Sim.

” But after a while, she started to be able to brand her companions, and began to pick up Chinese phrases like’ hello’ and greeting people before eating, “he said.

” She even learnt some basic words while playing, like as ‘ please’ and’ excuse me’.”

In past, Eden’s two-week project was a little short, said Mr Sim, as his child was really starting to get used to her colleagues at the end of the first week.

Ms. Chia added that they were able to communicate with the neighborhood through the use of cellular language apps.

” The teachers both communicate in Chinese. So when the teacher wanted to ask her ( Leanne ) something, or when she wanted to tell them something and they didn’t understand, they would use Google Translate. ” &nbsp,

WORTH THE MONEY

Ms Chia forked out about S$ 3, 000 ( US$ 2, 200 ) for Leanne’s week-long programme, including school fees and accommodation for both of them. Another expenses, such as flight reservations, meals and everyday needs, were not covered.

” A bit costly, to be honest, but for it. It’s a journey she will often recall,” she told CNA.

The programme’s head Ms Chiyu said prices can go up to 3 million yen ( US$ 19, 500 ) for two adults and one child for three months.

True costs vary based on the type of school and the type of lodging.

Continue Reading

Man gets 16 months’ jail for attempting to smuggle 58 Indian star tortoises into Indonesia via Changi Airport

By:
On:
In: Asia

SINGAPORE: &nbsp, A person was transiting through Singapore&nbsp, in August when he was caught&nbsp, at Changi Airport with&nbsp, 58&nbsp, American star reptiles in his bag.

Abdul Jaffar Haji Ali, an Indian national, was sentenced to 16 months in prison on Tuesday ( Dec. 10 ) after being found guilty of one count of illegally importing a listed species into Singapore. &nbsp,

In Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, the American star snail is listed as a very endangered species. If their trade is not severely restricted, then these species face a serious risk of extinction, according to the National Parks Board ( NParks ).

The reptiles were discovered inside a gentle backpack belonging to Abdul Jaffar, wrapped in a linen bag, according to court records.

The traveller was awaiting his connecting flight to Jakarta on Aug 29, after&nbsp, flying in from Chennai, when his luggage was screened by&nbsp, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority ( ICA ) officers.

They discovered a problem, and turtles were discovered right after the case was opened. The problem was then referred to NParks for more studies.

The animals, however, were seized and sent to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation for evaluation.

A veterinarian claimed in an evaluation of the animal health and welfare of the examination that the method of transporting the tortoises into Singapore did not adhere to the guidelines set forth by the International Air Transport Association ( IATA ) for the safe and humane transportation of animals.

This&nbsp, caused them “unnecessary suffering”, the physician added.

For the reasons listed below, the vet claimed that the reptiles ‘ transport conditions did not adhere to IATA’s requirements:

  • The backpack they were discovered in was not strong enough to withstand vigorous piling or other external forces. There was a&nbsp, hazard of the creatures being crushed during their travel, which could have led to injury or fatalities.
  • There were no air openings in the backpack, creating&nbsp, a danger of suffocation, heat stress and cold.
  • The turtles were packed very richly in&nbsp, a little and confined area. The animals, as a result, &nbsp, faced&nbsp, increased anguish, and a higher&nbsp, threat of strangulation and heat stress.
  • The suitcase&nbsp, was also not sufficiently labelled, and if the case had been badly handled, it&nbsp, may have caused anxiety or injuries to the tortoises, leading to affected security.

Of the 58 reptiles, one of them was found dead. &nbsp, While it did not exhibit any visible signs of injury or conditions, it was assessed to be very slim. Twenty-two others were also found to be slim and the rest were&nbsp, found to be of acceptable pounds.

According to court documents, Abdul Jaffar was not authorized to buy a listed species into Singapore without a valid permit from the director-general of animals trade control.

Continue Reading

Girl allegedly kidnapped in Malaysia believed to be scam victim: Singapore police

By:
On:
In: Asia

SINGAPORE: A 15-year-old girl&nbsp, who was allegedly kidnapped in Malaysia is believed to be a victim of a China official impersonation scam, the Singapore Police Force ( SPF ) said on Friday ( Dec 6 ).

CNA is aware that the lady attends a Singaporean school and is a Chinese nationwide.

According to preliminary studies, the girl was given permission to travel to Malaysia on November 24 by fictitious Chinese officials, according to the police’s reaction to press inquiries.

Officers on Friday confirmed that she had returned to Singapore on December 1 with her father. Investigations are ongoing.

On November 25, SPF received a notification that the child had vanished.

Two days later, Singapore authorities announced that Indonesian authorities were looking into the situation and that preliminary investigations indicated the lady had voluntarily left Singapore without her.

Foreign NATIONAL CHARGED IN MALAYSIA

A Chinese federal was detained on Thursday in Johor Bahru in connection with the girl’s theft, according to Malaysian news outlet The Star.

Huang Xiaonan, a 22-year-old studying at a school in Singapore, &nbsp, is accused of kidnapping the girl&nbsp, at a motel in Johor Bahru on Nov 24. &nbsp,

Huang was denied loan by the court, and the prosecution referred to him as a flight risk. On January 27, 2025, he will go back to judge.

According to The Star, the girl&nbsp, entered Johor Bahru through Woodlands station on Nov 24.

A 48-year-old Foreign national reported to the police on November 26 that his 15-year-old girl had never attended university in Singapore, according to Johor police chief captain M. Kumar.

The child was found in Kuantan, Pahang. Huang was arrested at the same place, The Star reported.

From January to October this year, there were at least 308 scam cases in Singapore involving the impersonation of China officials, with total losses amounting to at least S$ 38.2 million ( US$ 28.5 million ).

At least 231 fraud cases involving the imitation of Chinese officials were reported in the same time last month, totaling more than S$ 22 million.

Continue Reading

Singapore, Thailand to work together on carbon credits, food security: PM Wong

By:
On:
In: Asia

SINGAPORE: Singapore and Thailand can build on their close connectivity to work together on carbon credits and food security issues, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Thursday (Nov 28).

Mr Wong highlighted the green economy as one area in which the two countries can expand cooperation during a joint press conference with his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok.

Noting that Thailand is stepping up its production of green power through sources such as hydrogen and biofuels, Mr Wong said the two sides can “work towards an implementation agreement on carbon credits collaboration, which will open up new opportunities for our companies”.

He added that food security was something which he had previously discussed with Ms Paetongtarn, when they met on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Laos last month.

Back then, Ms Paetongtarn had updated him on her priorities on the issue too, said Mr Wong.

“This is also important for Singapore, as we import most of what we consume, and we are continually looking to enhance our food security,” he said.

In her remarks, Ms Paetongtarn said that Thailand is keen to strengthen Singapore’s food security, by increasing premium rice and organic egg exports to Singapore.

NEW AND EXISTING AREAS OF COOPERATION

Singapore will also host Thai civil servants on scholarships to study in some master’s programmes at universities here, Mr Wong announced, during his one-day introductory visit to the Thai capital.

“This builds on a long-standing exchange that we already have between our two civil services,” said Mr Wong.

The two leaders had earlier witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the arrangement, between Mr Piyawat Sivaraks, secretary-general of Thailand’s Office of the Civil Service Commission, and Mr Albert Chua, the permanent secretary of Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.

“I hope the MOU that we are signing and the exchange of students will facilitate even more mutual learning and sharing of best practices between our officials, as well as those from ASEAN and beyond,” said Mr Wong.

Ms Paetongtarn said that “Thailand appreciates Singapore’s granting (of) scholarships for our civil servants”.

Continue Reading