Updates On SARS Situation - 27 June 2003

27 Jun 2003

UPDATES ON SARS SITUATION : NO NEW PROBABLE CASES

Suspension of the implementation of the Patient Declaration Form

Since MOH announced its plan to introduce the Patient Declaration Form more than 2 weeks ago, the global SARS situation has improved markedly. Countries/Areas like China and Hong Kong have since been removed from the World Health Organisation's list of countries/areas with local transmission of SARS. It also seems likely that the 2 remaining areas, Taiwan and Toronto will also be removed from the list of countries/areas with local SARS transmission soon.

Based on the current assessment of the global and local SARS situation, the Ministry will suspend the implementation of the Patient Declaration Form, with immediate effect. However, the Ministry has stressed to medical practitioners and hospitals, that it is important for them to continue to obtain the travel history of their patients, particularly those with fever.

Situation Update

There were no new probable SARS cases and deaths since the last MOH press release on 24 June 2003. One patient has since been discharged. The last probable SARS case in Singapore had onset of symptoms on 5 May 2003 and was isolated on 11 May 2003.

On 27 June 2003, of the 206 probable SARS cases, 171 patients have recovered and have been discharged. 2 patients are still hospitalised, including 1 in intensive care.

Suspect cases

Since 24 June 2003, there have been no new cases.

Observation cases

From 24 June to 27 June, a total of 19 cases were in TTSH for observation. Of these 19 cases, 10 have been diagnosed as non-SARS cases and 9 are still under observation. Of the 9 cases under observation, 2 have travel history to a SARS-affected area and 4 have travel histories to non-SARS affected regions. The remaining 3 cases do not have a significant travel or contact history at present.

Quarantine Figures*

The quarantine figures are as follows:

#Discharged patients under home quarantine = 33

Contacts under home quarantine = 0

Total under home quarantine orders = 33

*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: 171

Hospitalised: 2 (including 1 in ICU)

Deaths: 32

Probable cases: 206 *

Suspect cases: 0

Observation cases: 9

*Includes 1 case who died from non-SARS causes

Precautions after June holidays

The June holidays are coming to an end and some students as well as their parents/family members have returned or will be returning from their overseas vacation. The Ministry urges all Singaporeans who have travelled overseas, especially to SARS-affected areas, to diligently monitor their temperature and that of their children, twice daily for 10 days after their return to Singapore.

If you or your family become unwell, please seek medical attention early and inform your doctor of your travel history.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

27 June 2003