Update on SARS: 13 June

13 June 2003

Situation Update

On 31 May 03, WHO removed Singapore from the list of areas with recent local transmission of SARS. Since the last probable SARS case was isolated on 11 May 03, there have been no new probable SARS cases reported. On 13 June 03, of the 206 probable SARS cases, 169 patients (82%) have recovered. Five patients are still in the hospital, with 2 in the ICU. The number of deaths remains at 31.

Suspect cases

Since 10 Jun 03, there have been no new cases.

Observation cases

From 10 June to 13 June, a total of 21 cases were in TTSH for observation. Of these 21 cases, 9 have been discharged and 5 have been diagnosed as non-SARS cases and 7 are still under observation. Of the 7 cases under observation, 5 have travel history to SARS affected areas, and for the remaining 2 cases, their contact histories are not known at this point in time.

Quarantine Figures*

The quarantine figures are as follows:

#Discharged patients under home quarantine = 34

Contacts under home quarantine = 0

Total under home quarantine orders = 34

*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.

# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.

Summary of SARS Cases

A summary of SARS cases is as follows:

Discharged: 169

Hospitalised: 5 (including 2 in ICU)

Deaths: 31

Probable cases: 206*

Suspect cases: 0

Observation cases: 7

*Includes 1 case who died from non-SARS causes

Travelling during June holidays

The June school holidays have started this week. Travel agencies have reported an increased number of overseas holiday bookings. The Ministry would like to urge all Singaporeans to avoid travel to SARS-affected countries and areas as recommended by the WHO. If you have to visit these places, it is advisable for you to avoid crowded places. It is good to practise personal hygiene habits like washing your hands frequently, and avoiding the sharing of eating utensils or personal items. You should check your temperature, and that of your children, twice daily while away and for 10 days after your return to Singapore. If you or your family become unwell, please seek medical attention early and be certain to inform your doctor of your travel history.

Travel Advisory

MOH urges the public to heed WHO's advice to postpone travel to Beijing, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Tianjin and Taiwan until another time.