Two suspected H1N1 under
investigations
The Ministry of Health says there are two additional flu cases
for investigations today.
Of the 27 cases investigated so far, 23 cases have tested
negative for Influenza A.
3 cases tested positive for the usual circulating seasonal
strains of Influenza A, and one is pending laboratory
investigations.
So far, 3 Singaporeans and 2 foreigners who have been to Mexico
in the last seven days were put on voluntary phone
surveillance.
Of these, one Singaporean has completed the seven-day phone
surveillance and is well.
One other Singaporean was reported to have flu-like symptoms and
was admitted to CDC this morning.
Laboratory investigations are however negative for influenza
A.
The others are doing well.
This means there have been no human cases of H1N1 in
Singapore.
The pandemic alert level continues to be at orange.
Providing an update, MOH adds that precautionary measures are in
full swing to forestall the spread of the virus to Singapore for as
long as possible.
MOH also says that thermal scanning has been deployed at the
land checkpoints.
It says temperature checks at the checkpoints may not pick up
all infected cases as travelers may be asymptomatic in the early
stages of the infection.
However, it enables us to take precautionary measures and reduce
the risk to Singapore.
Travellers entering Singapore with a travel history to Mexico
over the past seven days will be issued with a home quarantine
order.
This will require them to be quarantined for seven days when
they enter Singapore.
Those who can't be quarantined at their own residential homes
will be quarantined at government chalets, such as Aloha Chalets at
Loyang.
The home quarantine order takes effect tomorrow.
For travellers who are returning from other areas with evidence
of community transmission of Influenza A, MOH advises them to stay
at home for seven days and check themselves for symptoms of
flu-like illness.
In view of the confirmed H1N1 in Hong Kong, MOH is requesting
those who stayed at Metropark Hotel in the territory and who have
since returned to Singapore to call its hotline at
1800-3339999.
This will enable the ministry to advise them on monitoring their
own health in light of the confirmed case in Hong Kong.
MOH advises members of the public to postpone or avoid
non-essential travel to Mexico and affected areas.
In the event that travel is unavoidable, they should take
precautionary measures such as avoiding crowded areas and
maintaining high standards of personal hygiene at all times.
MOH also advises the public to maintain high standards of
personal hygiene.
Those who are unwell with respiratory illness should stay at home
and wear a surgical mask if possible.
The Ministry is monitoring the situation closely.
--938Live