Measures Taken To Control The SARS Outbreak In Singapore

17 Mar 2003

1. Early identification of cases

Suspect and probable cases of SARS are being identified as early as possible so that they can receive treatment and are isolated early.

To do this, we are providing information and general advice to the public on symptoms to look out for and to seek immediate medical attention if they develop such symptoms. It is important that the public understand that they should ONLY suspect that they may have SARS if they have a relevant travel history and/or close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with SARS.

All doctors and hospitals have been notified on the evaluation of such cases through our MedAlert system and circulars. Regular updates are being provided to all doctors and hospitals as more information becomes available.

Early identification of cases is also being done through tracing of contacts of known cases (see below).

2. Isolation of patients

All patients with SARS are being treated in isolation rooms in CDC and the other public hospitals.

3. Contact tracing

Tracing of contacts of known cases has been done, and will continue. Contacts with symptoms suggestive of the illness are immediately referred to CDC, TTSH for further evaluation. At CDC, if assessed to be a suspect or probable case, they will be admitted for isolation and observation.

Contacts that are well are instructed to go to CDC immediately if they develop fever or cough. NEA officers will call these contacts daily to check on their status.

4. Decreasing the number of new cases

Besides the measures above to detect cases early, MOH has also advised the public against travelling to Hong Kong, Hanoi and Guangdong province in China unless absolutely necessary.

Travel advisories will be provided to all passengers on inbound flights from the above areas to Singapore. The travel advisories explain the symptoms of SARS and advise passengers who develop these symptoms to seek medical attention immediately.

5. Laboratory investigations

Laboratory investigations are ongoing to identify the causative agent for SARS. To date, tests done so far have all been negative. We are also working closely with the WHO and specimens will also be sent to laboratories in CDC, Atlanta, USA for further investigation.

6. Enhanced Infection control procedures in hospitals

Strict infection control procedures are in place around the patients. Only immediate family members of the patients are allowed to visit them. The family members and the hospital staff have to observe enhanced infection control procedures when entering the rooms of, or coming into contact with, the patients. These measures include the wearing of tight fitting facemasks, gowns, gloves and thorough hand washing.

7. Infection control procedures in emergency departments at hospitals

All hospitals implemented measures for the screening of suspect cases of SARS. Suspect cases will be handled separately from the other patients.

If the cases are assessed to be probable cases, they will be referred to CDC, TTSH for admission and treatment. If the cases are ill and require more intensive treatment, they will be admitted to the hospital and managed accordingly.

Emergency department staff who come into contact with suspect or probable cases will adopt the enhanced infection control measures.

8. Additional isolation facilities

All acute hospitals in the public sector are prepared to create additional isolation rooms and wards, as a contingency in case the number of cases increase beyond the capacity of CDC, TTSH.

9. Public communications

MOH has and will continue to issue daily press statements to update the public on the situation in Singapore. A list of FAQs has also been released to the media and have been put on the MOH website.

MOH has also set up a hotline to handle all general public enquiries at 1800-2254122.

10. Task Force

A task force has been set up by MOH to monitor situation very closely and take appropriate action. The taskforce is chaired by Prof Tan Chorh Chuan, Director of Medical Services and includes the relevant experts from MOH, NEA (QED) and hospitals.