Dear All, MOH Press Release re first confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore fyip.
First confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) in Singapore
Singapore has confirmed its first case of Influenza A (H1N1-2009). The patient is currently being treated at the Communicable Disease Centre at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and is in stable condition.
2 The patient is a 22 year-old Singaporean female who was in New York from May 14- 24. She arrived back inSingapore from New York on SQ25 (Seated at Row 55) on 26 May at 06.30hrs. She began to develop a cough while onboard. She passed the thermal scanner uneventfully as she did not have fever then. Later in the morning, she consulted a GP who decided to send her to TTSH via a 993 ambulance, given her travel history. She was immediately admitted for testing. Laboratory confirmation of her infection was made by midnight of 26 May.
3 The patient has been vigilant in monitoring her own condition and had sought immediate medical attention once she realized that she was unwell. Her attending GP, through his quick response in activating the 993 ambulance for the patient, had also helped to minimize the spread of infection from this case.
4 We have initiated contact tracing of her close contacts. They will be quarantined and provided with antiviral prophylaxis. Passengers who had travelled in the same flight and were seated in rows 52 to 58 are urged to call the hotline at 1800- 333 9999 to enable us to check on their health condition.
Enhanced vigilance
5 The Ministry has reminded all medical practitioners and healthcare institutions to continue to be vigilant to suspect cases. We will continue with temperature screening for passengers entering Singapore at all checkpoints (land, sea and air). All passengers passing through or entering Singapore are given Health Alert Notices on board their flights, advising them to monitor their own health if they have been to affected areas and to seek medical attention immediately if they are not well.
Advice from MOH
6 Singaporeans are reminded to maintain high standards of personal hygiene. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and washing your hand frequently with soap and water, especially after contact with respiratory secretions (e.g., after sneezing and coughing). We also need the cooperation of everyone to be socially responsible. This means staying home and avoiding crowded places (including trains, buses, offices), putting on a surgical mask and seeing a doctor if you have flu symptoms. MOH advises those who travelled to affected areas to closely monitor their health and seek treatment as soon as possible should they develop symptoms.
7 Members of the public are advised to exercise caution over travel to affected areas. In the event that travel is unavoidable, the public is advised to take precautionary measures such as avoiding crowded areas and maintaining high standards of personal hygiene at all times. However, if you are unwell with fever and cough but have no travel history to affected areas, please see a doctor and stay at home.
8 MOH is monitoring the situation closely and will update the public should there be any new developments. For more information on Influenza A (H1N1-2009), please access MOH’s website at www.moh.gov.sg, call our hotline at 1800-333 9999, or visit www.flu.gov.sg.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
I’m concerned about the spread of this virus. As a Singaporean, I hope our authorities take immediate action to contain it.
Thank you for sharing your concerns about the spread of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) virus. We understand and appreciate your vigilance as a Singaporean. Rest assured that our authorities are taking immediate action to contain the virus, including contact tracing, quarantining close contacts, and providing antiviral prophylaxis. Additionally, enhanced vigilance is being exercised by medical practitioners and healthcare institutions, and temperature screening for passengers entering Singapore at all checkpoints has been increased. We urge everyone to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, be socially responsible, and exercise caution over travel to affected areas. If you have any further concerns or questions, please feel free to contact us at Tel: +65 6734 9373, Email: [email protected].
It’s good that the patient sought medical attention quickly. Hopefully, more people will do the same if they show symptoms.
Thank you, Rizal Kadir, for your comment! We couldn’t agree more – prompt medical attention can make a significant difference in preventing the spread of infection. Our team at Gill Divers encourages all our divers to prioritize their health and seek medical care if they experience any symptoms. If you have any questions or concerns about our diving programs or need assistance with anything, please don’t hesitate to contact us at +65 6734 9373 or email us at [email protected].
I’m glad the government is taking measures to prevent further spread. We need to be vigilant and follow their guidelines.
We couldn’t agree more, Sharon! At Gill Divers, we’re also taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of our divers. We’ve been in touch with the Ministry of Health to stay updated on the latest developments and guidelines. If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Tel: +65 6734 9373 or Email: [email protected].