Singapore Faces Rising Threat of Tick-Borne Diseases
Singapore, a city-state located at the intersection of migratory bird routes, is facing an increasing threat of tick-borne diseases. This concern was highlighted at a recent symposium focused on the risks posed by ticks in South-east Asia, where understanding of these parasites has historically been limited.
The Growing Threat of Tick-Borne Diseases
Ticks are considered the second-most concerning organism that can transmit human diseases, after mosquitoes. The symposium, held in late August, brought together scientists to discuss the potential risks of tick-borne illnesses. The event addressed the vulnerability of Singapore due to the increasing trend of diseases spreading through migratory birds carrying parasitic ticks.
The expansion of green spaces, nature reserves, and wildlife corridors in Singapore creates more opportunities for ticks to interact with humans and animals, further compounding the risk. Associate Professor Pek Wee Yang, deputy chief executive for policy and programmes at the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), emphasized this growing concern.
South-east Asia's Approach to Tackling Ticks
Scientists from 21 countries convened from August 28 to 29 to discuss the latest research and best practices for managing ticks and related diseases. The South-east Asia Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases Symposium revealed a potentially fatal tick-borne disease detected in humans for the first time in Malaysia, signaling a southward spread of the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV).
SFTSV, native to North Asia, is commonly transmitted through tick bites and can lead to multiple organ failure within 14 days of exposure, potentially resulting in death. Microbiologist Kamruddin Ahmed from Universiti Malaysia Sabah reported his team's discovery of traces of the disease in Sabah state. The findings are scheduled for publication by the end of 2025.
While the detection of SFTSV in Malaysia was not entirely unexpected, given its presence in Vietnam and Thailand, further research is needed to determine the virus's prevalence in other regions of Malaysia and its origin.
Assessing the Risk for Singapore
The CDA stated that, as of September 19, the likelihood of sustained transmission of SFTSV in Singapore is low due to the absence of tick species known to transmit the virus. However, the risk of the virus arriving with travelers from affected countries remains a concern, given Singapore's status as a major travel and transportation hub.
To date, there have been no confirmed cases of SFTS detected in Singapore. The CDA advises travelers to endemic countries to take precautions to prevent tick bites. Professor Pek of the CDA stressed the need for a coordinated approach at local, regional, and international levels due to the borderless nature of tick ecology and the impact of climate change.
Climate Change and the Need for Surveillance
Climate change is increasing the likelihood of ticks surviving in previously unsuitable areas, potentially establishing them as invasive species. Speakers at the symposium highlighted the need for improved surveillance of tick-borne infections in the region. Even with $2.4 million allocated for research into ticks and tick-borne diseases in Singapore, Chua Tze Hoong of the National Parks Board noted that this may not be sufficient for comprehensive surveillance.
Immunologist Benoit Malleret, an organizer of the symposium from NUS’ Department of Microbiology and Immunology, emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange, particularly in areas like creating a regional reference laboratory for Rickettsia. The program aimed to foster joint research, capacity building, and knowledge exchange among scientists, public health officials and stakeholders working on ticks and tick-borne diseases.
