Singapore has confirmed 95 new cases (784th - 878th case) of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) today, bringing the total tally to 878 confirmed cases. Investigations are on-going for these 95 new cases. Of the 97 cases investigated yesterday, there were 49 local cases and 48 imported cases. To date, 329 patients have been discharged and the rest are recuperating.

Singapore has confirmed 145 new cases (454th to 599th cases) of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) today, bringing the total tally to 599 confirmed cases.  Though the number of infected cases has increased, the severity of the disease remains relatively mild.  Singaporeans should carry on with their usual activities whilst observing good personal hygiene at all times.  In addition to these 145 new cases, 77 other cases were pending investigation yesterday. Of these 222 cases, 117 have been investigated. They comprise 94 local cases, and 23 imported cases. The remaining 105 cases are still being investigated.

Singapore has confirmed 89 new cases (366th to 454th cases) of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) today, bringing the total tally to 454 confirmed cases. In addition to these 89 new cases, 53 other cases were pending investigation yesterday. Of these 142 cases, 65 have been investigated. They comprise 34 local cases, and 31 imported cases. The remaining 77 cases are still being investigated.

 Singapore has confirmed 50 new cases (316th to 365th cases) of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) today, bringing the total tally to 365 confirmed cases. In addition to these 50 new cases, 48 other cases were pending investigation yesterday.

Singapore has confirmed another 26 new cases (195th to 220th cases) of Influenza A (H1N1-2009), comprising 11 local cases and 15 cases with travel history. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Singapore to 220.

Singapore has confirmed another 26 new cases (169th to 194th cases) of Influenza A (H1N1-2009), comprising 10 local cases and 16 cases with travel history. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Singapore to 194.

 Singapore has confirmed another 26 new cases (143rd to 168th cases) of Influenza A (H1N1-2009), comprising 17 local cases and 9 cases with travel history. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Singapore to 168.

One more case of vivax malaria has been confirmed and added to the malaria cluster at Jurong Island. He is a 46-year-old foreign construction worker who works and stays at Jurong Island. His date of onset of illness was on June 10 and he had no significant travel history.  He saw a doctor on June 12 who then notified MOH.  There are now 7 cases in the Jurong Island cluster, comprising all male foreigners aged 25 to 46 years. The illness onset dates of the cases in this cluster range from May 3 to June 10. The shape of the epidemic curve suggests that the transmission has continued to propagate and that the ongoing intensive vector control efforts must continue to stop any possible transmission.

Singapore has confirmed another 26 new cases (78th to 103rd cases) of Influenza A (H1N1-2009), including three who appear to have acquired their infections in Singapore. 22 cases involve travellers returning from other countries while another case was a close contact of an earlier confirmed case. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Singapore to 103.

Singapore has confirmed two more cases of Influenza A (H1N1-2009), bringing the total number of confirmed cases here to 49. Unlike the earlier imported cases, a number of the recent imported cases have engaged in extensive community activities such as working, shopping and participating in mass activities since their arrival here.  Some have even travelled to Singapore even though they were already unwell prior to departure. This is contrary to MOH’s advice that travellers who have been to countries that have been considered by WHO to have sustained community transmission or to be in transition towards community transmission, as well as countries that have been reported to have exported cases (ie. Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Dominican Republic, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Philippines, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America) should immediately call 993 for medical assistance if they feel unwell within seven days of arrival. The WHO has also consistently advised against travel if one is unwell. Such behaviour has considerably increased the difficulty of contact tracing and significantly heightened the risk of community spread here in Singapore.

Singapore has confirmed seven more cases of Influenza A (H1N1-2009), bringing the total number of confirmed cases here to 34.  All of the 34 cases, except one who was a close contact of a confirmed case,  are imported cases with a travel history. So far, 17 patients have been discharged.  The remaining 17 patients (18th – 34th cases) are still in the hospital and their conditions remain stable.

Singapore has confirmed six more cases of Influenza A (H1N1-2009), bringing the total number of confirmed cases here to 40. All of the 40 cases, except one who was a close contact of a confirmed case, are imported cases with a travel history.  The breakdown is as follows:

On 11 June 2009, the World Health Organisation (WHO) raised the level of influenza pandemic for H1N1 (2009) alert from phase 5 to phase 6. WHO considered that at this early stage, the pandemic can be characterised globally as being moderate in severity. Countries were advised to assess their specific situation and make a timely transition from focusing national efforts on containment to focusing on mitigation measures.

Singapore has confirmed three more cases of Influenza A (H1N1-2009), bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 21. To date, another patient (7th case) has been discharged, bringing the total number of discharged patients to 13.  The remaining 8 patients (8th, 15th – 21st cases) are still in the hospital and their conditions remain stable.

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.

Singapore has confirmed two more cases of Influenza A (H1N1-2009). Both of them have relatively mild symptoms and are in stable condition

The 13th Confirmed Case

2. The patient is a 23-year-old Singaporean male who went to Melbourne on 27 May and developed symptoms in the early hours of 3 Jun while he was still there. He returned to Singapore on Singapore Airlines SQ238 (Row 40) on 4 Jun at 1611 hours. His fever was detected by the thermal scanner at Changi Airport and was sent to TTSH via a 993 ambulance. He was subsequently admitted to CDC for further assessment that night. Laboratory results confirmed his infection at 1530 hours on 5 Jun.

The 14th  Confirmed Case

3. The patient is a 22-year-old Singaporean female who is a cabin crew with Singapore Airlines and went to New York on 24 May.  She was on the same flight (SQ25) from New York to Frankfurt as three of the earlier confirmed cases; the 7th confirmed case involving a 30-year-old Australian male tourist who was seated at row 54; the 10th confirmed case involving a 33-year-old Singapore female who was seated at row 19; and the 11th confirmed case involving an 18-year-old American female visitor who was seated at row 57. While these three earlier confirmed cases arrived in Singapore on 1 Jun, she had stopped over at Frankfurt and returned to Singapore one day later on 2 Jun at 0630 hours.

4. Upon arrival, she went home by taxi from the airport.  She developed symptoms in the afternoon of 3 Jun. The next day, she consulted a GP in the evening.  She was referred to TTSH via a 993 ambulance and admitted to CDC for further assessment that night. Laboratory results confirmed her infection at 1530 hours on 5 Jun.

5. Malaysian MOH has also informed us of two confirmed cases arising from SQ25 on 1 Jun. The two were foreign passengers arrived in Singapore on 1 Jun and left for Malaysia KL on 3 Jun.

Contact Tracing

Singapore has confirmed its 8th case of Influenza A (H1N1-2009). The patient is a 15-year-old Singaporean male who is studying in India. He travelled from India to Orlando and Atlanta on a school trip from 17 to 31 May 09. He returned to Singapore from Atlanta via Mumbai on Singapore Airlines SQ421 (Seat 39K) on 1 Jun 09 at 1936hrs. He was feverish during the flight, and his fever was picked up by the thermal scanner at Changi Airport.  He was sent to TTSH via 993 ambulance, and subsequently warded at KKH in the early hours of 2 Jun 09.  Laboratory results confirmed his infection at 1440hrs on 2 Jun 09.

Contact tracing of his close contacts are ongoing. Passengers within rows 37 to 41 on SQ421 on 1 Jun 09 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 indentified will be quarantined and provided with antiviral prophylaxis.

Singapore has confirmed its 6th and 7th cases of Influenza A (H1N1-2009). Both of them have relatively mild symptoms and are in stable condition.

The 6th case is a 36-year-old Singaporean male who was in Manila on a business trip from 18 - 29 May. He returned to Singapore from Manila on Friday 29 May on Singapore Airlines SQ917 at 1750 hours. He was seated at row 17.  He went home by taxi and remained home for the rest of the day. On 30 May, he went out briefly in the morning and returned home in the afternoon. He developed symptoms in the evening, and stayed home the whole of the next day. On 1 Jun morning, he called a 993 ambulance to take him to TTSH for further assessment. Laboratory results confirmed his infection at 1440 hours on 1 June and he was admitted to CDC.
 
The 7th case is a 30-year-old Australian male tourist who had travelled to Chicago from 14 - 21 May, Detroit from 21 - 25 May, and New York from 25 - 30 May.  He developed symptoms on 26 May while he was in New York.  He arrived in Singapore from New York via Frankfurt on SQ25 at 0618 hours on 1 June. He was seated at row 54.  He went straight to Raffles Medical Group clinic at Changi Airport transit area upon arrival, and was sent to TTSH via a 993 ambulance. He was admitted to CDC for further assessment in the late morning. Laboratory results confirmed his infection at 1645 hours on 1 June.

As of 29 May 1100hrs, MOH has served 31 HQOs to close contacts of the four H1N1 confirmed cases. All the 4 patients have relatively mild symptoms and are doing well, and are expected to recover uneventfully. All their close contacts on HQO are also reported to be well and have been given Tamiflu as chemoprophylaxis.

Singapore has confirmed three more cases of Influenza A (H1N1-2009). The patients are currently being treated at the Communicable Disease Centre at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). Their symptoms are relatively mild and all of them are in stable condition.

The second confirmed case is a 43-year-old female Singapore Permanent Resident  who returned to Singapore from San Francisco via Manila on Tuesday, 26 at 1750 hrs. She was on Singapore Airlines, SQ 917 and was seated at 33H. She became unwell while on board.

The third confirmed case is a 28-year-old American female who is working in Singapore. She returned to Singapore from Honolulu via Tokyo on Tuesday, 26 May at 2353 hrs, on United Airlines, UA 803. She was seated at 33C. She became unwell on 26 May.

The fourth confirmed case is a 28-year-old Singaporean male who returned to Singapore from Chicago via Hong Kong on 25 May at 0036hrs. He was on United Airlines, UA 895 and was seated at 55H. He became unwell on 25 May.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) conducted a public consultation from 14 Jan 2009 to 25 Feb 2009 to seek the public’s views and feedback on the proposed amendments to the Medical Registration Act (MRA). The proposed changes include the establishment of a Register for Family Physicians, defining appropriate subspecialties, streamlining of registration and disciplinary proceedings.

The responses received from the public, medical, professional and non-governmental organizations were supportive of the proposed amendments to the MRA. A summary of the views received are as follows:

A vast majority of the respondents were in support of the proposed amendments:

i) 90% supported the proposal to set requirements and restrictions for conditionally registered doctors.
ii) 76% agreed that amendments to the disciplinary proceedings will strengthen professional self-regulation and streamline disciplinary processes.
iii) 85% agreed that the SMC’s Complaints Committees should be allowed to appoint officers to investigate complaints.
iv) 88% were in support of including a performance assessment framework.
v) 86% were in support of mandating a professional indemnity insurance for doctors who want to obtain practising certificates.

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.

As announced yesterday 6 May 2009, measures to transit to DORSCON Yellow by Monday, 11 May 2009, if the situation remains stable, are progressively being implemented. While the new strain of Influenza A (H1N1 2009) seems milder than originally feared, MOH would like to remind all on the need to remain vigilant. The situation is still   dynamic, and we would need to constantly review and adjust our responses, to deal with changing threat. 

In Singapore, we had 3 additional cases for investigations today (as of 1700hrs). Of the 32 cases investigated thus far, 25 cases have tested negative for Influenza A, 4 tested positive for the usual circulating seasonal flu strains, and 3 are pending laboratory investigations.

As of 5 May 09, 21 countries have officially reported a total of 1124 cases of influenza A (H1N1-2009) infection. In Singapore, there are still no human cases of Influenza A (H1N1-2009).  The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned nations not to let our guard down as there may be a second more severe wave of infection.

Our Disease Outbreak Response System Alert status remains at ORANGE and precautionary measures are in place to forestall the spread of the virus to Singapore for as long as possible. Meanwhile, Singaporeans are reminded to ensure high standard of personal hygiene.

As of 2 May 09, there are no human cases of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) in Singapore. Our Disease Outbreak Response System Alert status remains at ORANGE. Thermal scanning has been deployed at the airports and sea checkpoints, and will be rolled out at the land checkpoints on 3 May.

Hong Kong has reported one confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1-2009). MOH is requesting all Singaporeans and travellers who stayed at the Metropark Hotel Wanchai in Hong Kong on 30 April 2009 and who have since returned to Singapore to call MOH’s hotline at 1800-333 9999 (8.30am to 9.00pm).

As of 1 May 09, there are no human cases of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) in Singapore.  Our Disease Outbreak Response System Alert status is currently ORANGE and precautionary measures are in full swing to forestall its spread to Singapore for as long as possible.

The World Health Organisation had raised the pandemic alert phase for the swine flu outbreaks from Phase 3 to Phase 4. The change to a higher phase indicates that there is sustained human-to-human transmission, capable of causing community-level outbreaks. This increases the risk of a pandemic.  In line with this, MOH will also be elevating our alert level from green to yellow. This is to better brace ourselves to handle situations where there may be isolated imported cases but no sustained local transmission.

As of 28 April 09, there are no human cases of swine flu in Singapore. There are 17 cases in total referred for further medical assessment. 16 have been referred to the Communicable Disease Centre (CDC)  and one case was seen at SGH. Three cases referred to the CDC (including the two referred yesterday) have all tested negative for Influenza A. The case seen in SGH has tested negative as well. Most of the other new cases are Singaporeans who have recently returned from the United States. 

As at 27 April 09, there are reportedly 18 confirmed cases of human swine influenza A (H1N1 viruses) in Mexico, 20 in the United States (New York City, California, Texas, Kansas and Ohio), and 6 in Canada (Nova Scotia and British Columbia). There are also reports of suspected human cases in a number of countries such as New Zealand, Scotland, Israel, Spain, Brazil and Columbia. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that the outbreak of the new strain of human swine influenza in Mexico and the US constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), and has  recommended that countries intensify its surveillance and precautionary measures.  The US has also declared a public health emergency to deal with the emerging human swine influenza. These reports raise concerns about a global human-to-human spread of a novel influenza virus.

As of 27 April 09, there are no cases of human swine flu in Singapore. There are two cases referred to CDC for further assessment. One of them is an American from California picked up for higher-than-normal temperature by thermal screening at Changi Airport. The other is a local resident who had a travel history to the United States and flu-like symptoms, who presented himself at the polyclinic and was referred to the CDC. Preliminary tests for Influenza A for both were negative.

MOH is monitoring the situation closely and will update the public should there be any new developments.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that the outbreak of human swine influenza in Mexico and the US constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). However, based on information available, the WHO did not upgrade their Pandemic Alert Phase from 3 to 4, which would signal that a pandemic is imminent.

As of 26 April, there are no known cases of human swine flu in Singapore. MOH is monitoring the situation closely and will update the public should there be any new developments.

'Rojak Geylang Serai' at Geylang Serai Temporary Market

Since the closure of the stall on 4th April, transmission of the infection ceased completely and no further cases of food poisoning have been reported. MOH has concluded its investigations into the food poisoning cases linked to the ‘Rojak Geylang Serai’ stall at Geylang Serai Temporary Market. The cause has been identified as a common source outbreak of Vibrio parahaemolyticus traced to the cross-contamination of rojak and raw seafood ingredients harbouring the bacteria. Laboratory investigation confirmed 13 of the cases to be positive for Vibrio parahaemolyticus, including the first fatal case.

BaShuRenJia Steamboat Restaurant at 233 Lorong 9 Geylang Road

MOH has been notified of another two cases who sought medical attention, bringing the total number of cases thus far to 19. These cases developed onset of illness between 10 and 11 Apr 2009; they had consumed food at the steamboat restaurant from 9 to 10 Apr 2009.

'Rojak Geylang Serai' at Geylang Serai Temporary Market

Following the closure of 'Rojak Geylang Serai' at Geylang Serai Temporary Market on 4th April, transmission of food poisoning cases linked to the food stall had ceased. Since 9th April, there were no further notified cases to MOH. The total number of food poisoning cases remains the same at 154, with 48 cases hospitalised. Three patients are still in the hospital. These patients have recovered from their food poisoning illness and are in hospital for management of their other medical conditions that are unrelated to their food poisoning illness.

BaShuRenJia Steamboat Restaurant at 233 Lorong 9 Geylang Road

3. MOH has been notified of another three cases, bringing the total number of cases thus far to 17. These cases developed onset of illness between 9 and 11 Apr 2009; they had consumed food at the steamboat restaurant from 9 to 10 Apr 2009. All except two patients received outpatient treatment. Both patients have been discharged.

'Rojak Geylang Serai' at Geylang Serai Temporary Market

Since 9 April, there were no further notified cases to MOH and the total number of food poisoning cases remains the same at 154, with 48 cases hospitalised. Three patients are still recovering in the hospitals. Their conditions are stable.

Steamboat restaurant at 233 Lorong 9 Geylang Road

In a separate development, MOH was notified of cases of food poisoning involving BaShuRenJia steamboat restaurant yesterday. To date, a total of 14 cases have been notified to MOH, of which 2 were hospitalised. One patient has been discharged while the other is in stable condition in hospital. The patients experienced symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain after consuming food from the steamboat restaurant.

Since 9 April, there were no further notified cases to MOH and the total number of food poisoning cases remains the same at 154, with 48 cases hospitalised. Two more patients have been discharged, with 3 patients still recovering in the hospitals. Their conditions are stable. All notified cases had reported their onset of illness in the period from 1st to 4th April. It appears that the transmission had ceased following the immediate closure of the food stall on 4 April.

In a separate development, MOH was notified today of 12 cases of food poisoning. All of them gave a history of consuming food from a steamboat restaurant BaShuRenJia at 233 Lorong 9 Geylang Road last evening. Symptoms include vomitting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. None were hospitalised. MOH and NEA are investigating into the incident.

H.E. Dr Bernat Soria Escoms, Minister for Health and Consumer Affairs of Spain, is currently in Singapore with a five-member delegation for a 5-day official visit to local health institutions and industry partners.Dr Soria and his delegation are in Singapore to exchange views on biomedical research and developments, and to explore possibilities for collaboration between both countries' research institutes and hospitals in areas such as cancer and cardiology. 

In conjunction with the visit, Health Minister was conferred the title "Placa de la Orden Civil de Sanidad" (Plaque of the Health Civil Order) by H.E. Dr Soria.  The Placa de la Orden Civil de Sanidad is the highest civil distinction awarded on behalf of His Majesty the King of Spain to reward relevant or exceptional merits, behaviours, activities or services in the field of health.

MOH will launch two new initiatives this year, to allow Singaporeans to make greater use of their Medisave accounts to cover elective (i.e. non-urgent) hospitalisation in approved hospitals overseas and home palliative care.

At Budget 2009, the Government announced that a special once-off $15 million would be made available this year to support the voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs). The Ministry of Health (MOH) will receive $5 million of this funding to help charities involved in healthcare service provision to tide over the current economic downturn.