16th and 17th Confirmed Cases of Influenza A (H1N1-2009)

09 Jun 2009

Singapore has confirmed two more cases of Influenza A (H1N1-2009), bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 17. These are imported cases with travel history to affected areas. The two patients have relatively mild symptoms and are in stable condition.

The 16th Confirmed Case

2. The 16th case is a 40-year-old male foreigner from India who is working in Singapore. He went to Melbourne on 31 May on a business trip and returned to Singapore on Singapore Airlines SQ238 at 1605hrs on 6 June. He was seated at row 45. On 7 Jun morning, he developed symptoms. On 8 June around noon, he sought medical attention at a private hospital and was referred to TTSH ED via a 993 ambulance, and was admitted to CDC in the afternoon. Laboratory results confirmed his infection at 2220 hours on 8 June.

The 17th  Confirmed Case

3. The 17th case is a 25-year-old Malaysian female who went to Melbourne for a holiday on 21 May She developed symptoms on 5 June while she was there. She returned to Singapore on Emirates EK 405 at 2350hrs on 7 June. She was seated at row 32. She was not picked up by the thermal scanner as she did not have fever then. She went home by taxi from the airport. On 8 June, she consulted a GP in the late morning for a non-flu related medical condition. She was then referred to TTSH ED via a 993 ambulance and admitted to CDC. Laboratory results confirmed her infection at 2220 hours on 8 June.

Contact Tracing

4. Contact tracing has been initiated for the 16th and 17th confirmed cases. Passengers within rows 43 to 47 on SQ238 on 6 June and rows 30 to 34 on EK 405 on 7 June who have not been contacted by MOH yet should call the MOH hotline at 1800-333 9999 to enable us to check on their health condition expeditiously. All close contacts identified will be quarantined and provided with antiviral prophylaxis.

Advice from MOH

5. MOH advises the public to avoid non-essential travel to these affected areas (Melbourne and the State of Victoria in Australia, Kobe and Osaka in Japan and Chile, USA, Canada and Mexico). Should they become unwell within 7 days of their return from affected areas, they should seek medical attention promptly and call 993 for an ambulance. They should avoid taking public transport or taxi to minimise exposure. To help in contact tracing, the public may find it helpful to keep records of their movements for 7 days (for example by keeping taxi receipts) after their return from the affected countries.

6. For people who are unable to avoid travelling to affected areas, they should:

• Avoid crowded areas and contact with anyone who appears unwell.

• Maintain high standards of personal hygiene at all times.

• Wash hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, especially before touching the eyes, nose or mouth.

• Turn quickly away from anyone near if they are about to cough or sneeze.

• Cover the nose and mouth with a piece of tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of the tissue paper properly in the dust bin after use.

7. MOH also advises travellers to see a doctor as soon as possible if they feel unwell overseas and refrain from travelling until certified fit by the doctor. This is in line with the World Health Organisation’s recommendations for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people who develop symptoms following travel to seek medical attention.

8. MOH is monitoring the situation closely and will keep the public informed on 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