Enteric infections in Singapore with special reference to typhoid.

A review of the epidemiological features of the more important enteric infections in Singapore was given. Enteric fevers (typhoid and paratyphoid), Salmonella gastroenteritis and Shigellosis remained endemic at a rather constant level in spite of vast improvement in environmental sanitation, but amoebic dysentery showed marked decline. Vibrio parahaemolyticus is an important cause of food poisoning since it was first reported in 1973. El tor cholera is believed to be introduced through regional trade and travel. Control measures directed mainly at typhoid include detection of typhoid carriers in the community responsible for transmission of infection, control and licensing of public food handlers and health education.