Three New Confirmed Cases of Influenza A (H1N1-2009)

11 Jun 2009

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.

The 19th Confirmed Case

2. The 19th case is a 21-year-old female Singapore Permanent Resident who is studying in Melbourne. She returned to Singapore from Melbourne on Singapore Airlines SQ238 on 9 June at 1615 hours. She was seated at row 46.  She developed symptoms while on the plane. She was not picked up by the thermal scanner as she did not have fever then.  She went home from the airport by taxi and stayed at home for the rest of the day. On 10 June afternoon, she was sent to CDC for assessment via 993 ambulance. Laboratory results confirmed her infection at 1210 hours on 11 June 09.

The 20th Confirmed Case

3. The 20th case is a 17-year-old Singaporean male.  He returned to Singapore from Los Angeles via Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific Airways CX717 on 7 June at 1230 hours. He was seated at row 38.  He was fetched by a family member from the airport. Since his return, he had stayed largely at home. On 10 June morning, he developed symptoms, and a 993 ambulance was called to send him to CDC for assessment. Laboratory results confirmed his infection at 1210 hours on 11 June 09.

The 21st Confirmed Case

4. The 21st case is a 21-year-old male Indonesian studying in Australia. He came to Singapore from Melbourne on Singapore Airlines SQ228 on 9 June at 2200 hours. He was seated at row 47. On 10 June morning, he developed symptoms and sought medical attention at a GP clinic. Thereafter, he returned to his place of residence and did not go out. On 11 June morning, a 993 ambulance was called to send him to CDC for assessment. Laboratory results confirmed his infection at 1705 hours on 11 June 09.

Contact Tracing

5. Contact tracing has been initiated for the three new confirmed cases. In relation to the 19th and 21st cases, passengers seated within rows 44 to 48 on SQ238 on 9 June and passengers seated within rows 45 to 49 on SQ228 on 9 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.

6. For the 20th case, MOH has assessed that no flight passengers on CX7171 on 7 June need to be quarantined as the case only developed onset of symptoms more than 24 hours after disembarkation, and he was unlikely to be infectious during the flight. Tracing for local contacts has been initiated.

Advice from MOH

7. MOH advises the public to avoid non-essential travel to the list of affected areas. (Melbourne and the State of Victoria in Australia, Kobe and Osaka in Japan and Chile, USA, Canada and Mexico). 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.

8. 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.

9. 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 WHO’s recommendations for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people who develop symptoms following travel to seek medical attention.

10. 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