This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.
22 Apr 2008
Question No: 563
Question
Name of the Person: Mdm Ho Geok Choo
To ask the Minister for Health in light of the recent flu outbreak amongst children in Hong Kong, what measures does the Ministry have in place to ensure the safety of Singaporean children.
Reply
Reply From MOH
1. Last month’s influenza outbreak in Hong Kong was similar to that of previous years. It involved the usual seasonal influenza virus subtypes: H1, H3 and B. Thankfully, there were no new virulent strains or the dreaded H5N1 which many scientists worry could spark a global flu pandemic.
2. Influenza is a common infectious disease that affects all age-groups. It is usually mild and self-limiting. Complications such as pneumonia are rare, but when they occur, they can be fatal to children and the elderly.
3. In Singapore, we experience two influenza seasons, from December to February, and again from June to August. We have a lower level of influenza activity for the rest of the year.
4. We have an active influenza surveillance programme to track the level of influenza activity. We monitor the number of attendances and hospital admissions for acute respiratory infections and pneumonia. We carry out tests on samples from patients with flu-like symptoms for influenza viruses to determine the circulating strains. Singapore is part of the influenza network of the World Health Organization. We are in close contact with our international counterparts, especially in times of outbreaks.
5. The current level of influenza activity is within the expected seasonal variation. But we need to remain vigilant as the influenza activity is expected to increase in the coming months.
6. It is not possible to protect all from influenza. But there are several measures that Singaporeans can take to reduce the risk of an infection. First, an annual vaccination against influenza can be considered for the vulnerable group: children aged 6 months to 5 years, the elderly, patients with chronic diseases; and their carers.
7. Second, maintain a high standard of personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing.
8. Third, do not infect the others with your influenza: cover your month when coughing, stay at home, wear a mask if you have to leave home.
9. As for the potential flu pandemic, we have discussed in this House before our preparation plan. The world has so far avoided one but the risk of one coming remains real. We must not be complacent. We regularly exercise our pandemic plan and work to strengthen it. The Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Bill which the House will shortly debate is one additional step in that direction. I look forward to the House support for the Bill.