First confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) in Singapore

27 May 2009

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 in Singapore 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, iff 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