Influenza A (H1N1) Latest News Updates
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Can't get seats on the MRT, fret not, just keep sneezing.
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Only 7 swine flu deaths, not 152, says WHO
April 29, 2009 - 4:34PM
A member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has dismissed claims that more than 150 people have died from swine flu, saying it has officially recorded only seven deaths around the world.
Mexico has lowered its confirmed death toll from swine flu from 20 to seven, Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova told reporters. He also raised the toll of "probable'' deaths from the H1N1 virus from 152 to 159. A total of 1311 people remain in hospital after exhibiting symptoms of the flu, he said.
Vivienne Allan, from WHO's patient safety program, said the body had confirmed that worldwide there had been just seven deaths - all in Mexico - and 79 confirmed cases of the disease.
"Unfortunately that [150-plus deaths] is incorrect information and it does happen, but that's not information that's come from the World Health Organisation," Ms Allan told ABC Radio today.
"That figure is not a figure that's come from the World Health Organisation and, I repeat, the death toll is seven and they are all from Mexico."
Ms Allan said WHO had confirmed 40 cases of swine flu in the Americas, 26 in Mexico, six in Canada, two in Spain, two in Britain and three in New Zealand.
Ms Allan said it was difficult to measure how fast the virus was spreading.
She said a real concern would be if the flu virus manifested in a country where a person had had no contact with Mexico, and authorities were watching all countries for signs of that.
"There is no pattern that has emerged at this stage to be able to say that it is spreading in a particular way or it is spreading into a particular country ... the situation is continuing to evolve," she said.
She said the WHO was not recommending against overseas travel, but urged those who felt sick to stay home and others to ensure they kept their hands clean.
No decision had yet been made about vaccinations.
"This virus is not airborne, it's caused by droplets ... so it's not a time for worry. It's a time to be prepared," Ms Allan said.
Crude oil price drops
Oil prices dipped in Asia today as concern that a swine flu outbreak could undermine crude demand overrode optimism about an eventual recovery from a global slump.
Benchmark crude for June delivery was down 39 cents to $49.53 a barrel by midday in Singapore, in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract Tuesday fell 22 cents to settle at $49.92.
AAP
This story was found at: http://www.smh.com.au/world/only-7-swine-flu-deaths-not-152-says-who-20090429-aml1.html
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Swine flu could be man-madeJAKARTA - INDONESIAN Heath Minister Siti Fadilah Supari said on Tuesday the deadly swine flu virus could have been man-made, as she urged calm over its spread around the world.
The controversial minister did not elaborate but in the past she has said Western governments could be making and spreading viruses in the developing world to boost pharmaceutical companies' profits.
'I'm not sure whether the virus was genetically engineered but it's a possibility,' she told reporters at a press conference called to reassure the public over the government's response to the swine flu threat.
No cases of the disease have been reported in Indonesia, the country worst hit by the bird flu virus which has killed about 250 people worldwide since 2003.
Indonesian authorities have increased body temperature scanners at airports and banned imports of live pigs and pork products, amid World Health Organisation (WHO) warnings of a pandemic.
Ms Supari, a cardiologist, also claimed that the H1N1 strain of swine flu, which is believed to have killed more than 150 people in Mexico, could not survive in tropical countries like Indonesia.
'We have to be alert at all times although swine flu in Indonesia is not a cause for panic,' she said. 'H1N1 survives in countries with four seasons. The type A H1N1 virus hopefully won't be able to sustain itself once it enters the tropical climate of Indonesia.'
The virus has been found in 11 countries including Mexico, the United States and Spain, while several other countries from Colombia to New Zealand are investigating suspected cases.
Ms Supari said the health ministry had prepared 100 hospitals to handle swine flu cases should the disease enter Indonesia.
The minister has refused since 2006 to share all but a handful of Indonesia's bird flu virus samples with WHO researchers, saying the system is being abused by rich countries to develop profitable vaccines which poor countries must buy.
-- AFP
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Singapore raises swine flu pandemic alert from yellow to orange
SINGAPORE: The Health Ministry (MOH) has sounded the orange alert for the Mexican swine flu pandemic, moving one notch up from yellow the previous day. So far, there are no confirmed cases here.
Singapore is also imposing a home quarantine order on those who have recently travelled to Mexico.
The move comes after the World Health Organisation (WHO) raised its pandemic alert phase from level 4 to level 5 on Thursday.
According to Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan, it is only a matter of time before the Mexican swine flu strikes Southeast Asia and its first case could well be in Singapore – one of the region's most globalised cities.
When that happens, Singapore should not be "shocked into panic or inaction". He said the country must be prepared for a long fight, with a very different type of enemy.
"We must not be trapped into a SARS battle mindset. As I said yesterday, we are fighting a new war. What worked during SARS may not be effective or even necessary this time round," he cautioned.
Mr Khaw also advised hospitals and Singaporeans against going into "overdrive" in their precautionary measures, lest they "exhaust themselves" even before the first wave of swine flu strikes.
MOH has said it would escalate the pandemic alert to red, should the global situation deteriorate.
Under the orange alert, infection control measures will be stepped up further. Temperature screenings and checks for flu-like symptoms will be mandatory at hospitals, and patients will be allowed only one visitor each time.
Hospital staff must also wear full protective gear in all areas with patient contact.
"All of us are participants in this war. We are not just bystanders watching the developments," Mr Khaw said.
MOH is imposing a seven-day home quarantine order on those who have travelled to Mexico in the past week. They will be monitored for symptoms of the H1N1 virus and should symptoms develop, they will be referred to the Communicable Disease Centre (CDC) for further assessment.
The health minister said arrangements would be made for non-residents to put up in chalets or hotels and to undergo phone surveillance for symptoms of swine flu.
If it is found that other countries, besides Mexico, are exporting cases, MOH may also impose similar conditions for travellers returning from those areas.
While Mr Khaw cautioned against complacency, he said Singaporeans should not get unduly stressed over the situation.
"For healthy Singaporeans or those who have not been overseas recently, get on with your life! Go out! Exercise! Bicycle! Brisk walk! Go dancing, whatever! We all know when you're active and have enough sleep, you're at your top form; you're less likely to get flu," he urged.
Of the 22 cases referred for medical assessment, one is still pending lab investigations. The rest have been cleared of swine flu.
MOH said 19 have been tested negative for Influenza A, while two are tested positive for the usual circulating strains of Influenza A.
For more information on Mexican swine flu, members of the public can access MOH's website at www.moh.gov.sg or call its hotline at 1800-333 9999.
- CNA/so -
WHO discussing name of swine flu
The World Health Organisation is re-examining the name of the swine flu virus
This follows complaints that the virus is causing an unjustified clampdown on pork trade.
Officials in the United States yesterday decided to call the H1N1 flu virus that emerged in Mexico "2009 H1N1 flu".
Pig farmers in the United States, Canada and Mexico are reeling from bans on their exports of live swine and pork meat imposed by several nations including Russia and China.
The WHO has stuck by swine flu so far, arguing that the virus -- whose exact origins are still unknown -- does have a substantial swine component.
WHO Director General Margaret Chan said, while raising the international alert level yesterday, the WHO did not believe that people were getting infected by pigs in the current outbreak.
At least 12 countries have reported cases of swine flu, with the Netherlands being the latest to join the list.--938Live
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Airlines prepared over swine flu-IATA
The International Air Transport Association has said that airlines were prepared to deal with the swine flu outbreak
The industry body warned earlier this week that swine flu will compound financial problems for airlines
It said passengers should be reassured that the environment in plane cabins was safe due to air filtration systems similar to those in hospitals,regular disinfecting and crew are trained in handling those who might become ill on board.
It noted the WHO had advised there should be no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders, although people who are ill should delay international travel.--938Live
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PM Lee on New Flu Strain
Fighting the new flu crisis also calls for unity, says PM Lee.
While there're no confirmed cases in Singapore as yet, he says this new flu virus is different from SARS and will be harder to confine once it's in the country.
His message to Singaporeans:
"Keep good personal hygiene, wash your hands regularly, avoid crowded areas, if you're ill, stay at home. If you have to go out when you're unwell, wear a mask. If you're sick, please see your doctor immediately and follow his advice. It's treatable, there's medicine, we've enough stocks. We've been preparing for a pandemic since 2004, 5 years but still we can't be complacent. But if we're socially responsible, do our preparations and our plans well implemented, we can pull through this outbreak with minimum casualties."
--938Live
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Asia's 1st flu case in HKHONG KONG - THE first confirmed case of swine flu in Asia was recorded in Hong Kong on Friday after a Mexican man who arrived via Shanghai tested positive, Chief Executive Donald Tsang announced.
Guests and staff at the hotel where the patient had briefly stayed were placed under quarantine for seven days as officials announced 'draconian' measures in a bid to contain the disease.
'We have our first confirmed swine flu case in Hong Kong. He is Mexican,' Mr Tsang told reporters.
The 25-year-old Mexican arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday from Mexico via Shanghai on China Eastern Airlines flight 505, Mr Tsang said.
He was admitted to hospital on Thursday night suffering from a fever and tested positive on Friday for swine flu. He was in stable condition, Mr Tsang said.
The Metropark Hotel in Wanchai district where he had been staying had been cordoned off, he said.
'I will raise the alert level from serious to emergency,' the chief executive said.
Despite putting Hong Kong on the highest level of alert, Mr Tsang said all social activities and exhibitions would go ahead as normal and schools would remain open in the city, which is still scarred by memories of the Sars epidemic in 2003.
'I stress we don't need to panic,' he said.
-- AFP
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omg! HK got case of swine flu...was in 3764K on 57 when i saw the news
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Originally posted by sbs8104h:
omg! HK got case of swine flu...was in 3764K on 57 when i saw the news
Yes, Hong Kong is the first asian country who has got it. -
i got a msg from SP to bring thermo on monday. walau.
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No human cases of H1N1 here: MOH
In its latest update issued last night, Singapore's Health Ministry said there are so far no human cases of H1N1 here.
It said the one pending case as reported on Thursday, has tested negative for Influenza A.
MOH said it had three additional cases for investigation yesterday.
But of the 25 cases investigated so far, 21 have tested negative for Influenza A.
Three tested positive for the usual circulating seasonal strains of Influenza A.
And one is pending laboratory investigations.
The MOH reiterated that members of the public are strongly advised to postpone or avoid non-essential travel to hard-hit Mexico and other affected areas.
It also advised the public to maintain high standards of personal hygiene.
--938Live
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7 Singaporeans quarantined in Hong Kong
SINGAPORE: Seven Singaporeans have been quarantined in Hong Kong.
They are among 350 people under quarantine at the Metropark Hotel where a sick Mexican tourist had stayed.
Three of the Singaporeans are at the Metropark Hotel in Wanchai, and four are at the Lady MacLehose Holiday Village.
According to the Hong Kong SAR government, some Metropark Hotel guests who were not willing to stay in the hotel had moved to Lady MacLehose Holiday Village in Sai Kung.
Staff and guests are required to stay either in the hotel or holiday villages which are used as isolation centres until the end of the quarantine order.
Responding to media queries, a Singapore's Foreign Ministry spokesman said the ministry has been in touch with the Singaporeans.
He added that they are fine, and have the ministry's contact number should they require any assistance.
- CNA/yt -
CDC working on research to combat Influenza A (H1N1)
SINGAPORE : The first case of Influenza A H1N1 has surfaced in Asia.
Although Singapore does not have any such cases, health authorities here are working to collect data on how to combat this new flu strain.
The H1N1 virus was discovered in the 1970s, but it's still unknown how the new virus is transmitted from human to human.
"If you look at the current virus, this virus, it is genetically different compared to the human one. All of us will be susceptible. You open the floodgate and you will have this wave," said Associate Professor Leo Yee Sin, clinical director, Communicable Disease Centre (CDC), Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).
Research is currently underway. And fortunately, there is hope of treating Influenza A, the same way as the other types of flu.
"The current circulating seasonal human H1N1 has a very high resistance rate to Tamiflu. However for this current swine influenza, from the information given to us from the infected area, (shows) that resistance to Tamiflu is not something that they have detected yet. So it gives us the assurance that at least we have something we can use to treat and overcome this," said CDC's clinical director.
Dr Leo said there were three recent pandemics - the Spanish flu from 1918 to 1919, which is the H1N1 subtype; the H2N2 virus in the 1950s; and the H3N2 virus in 1968.
There are currently no cases of Influenza A in Singapore.
Still, to detect the new virus, the CDC is gathering tissue samples of patients from family doctors, polyclinics and hospitals.
The head of the CDC said washing hands frequently can help rid the virus, which can survive outside the human body for several hours in tropical Singapore.- CNA /ls
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Khaw says S'poreans should not be surprised by H1N1 cases in HK, SKorea
SINGAPORE : Singapore Minister for Health Khaw Boon Wan said Singaporeans should not be surprised by the cases H1N1 virus occurring in Hong Kong and South Korea.
Mr Khaw said: "I have been warning that this thing will come to Asia, if not already here. And one day, it may appear in Singapore too. So our gearing up (over the) last few days were all in anticipation of this.
"I think at this stage we are quite well on the alert and the measures... Take it in its stride; this thing may just blow over. Hopefully that's the case, in which we will treat this as a good exercise of our plan.
"But if this thing were to become more serious, and we were to turn (pandemic alert) red or black, then at least we have the pieces in place to gear up speedily."
Mr Khaw was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a candlelight procession by the Buddhist Welfare services.
He was asked if the ministry has plans to vaccinate those at the frontline, like immigration officers, against common flu to eliminate false alarms.
Mr Khaw said while it would be useful move, it would not be critical to rush to do so now.- CNA /ls
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the indonesian health minister is being pure insensitive...
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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
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Home quarantine order for those with travel history to Mexico starts Monday
SINGAPORE: The home quarantine order will take effect on Monday.
Passengers with travel history to Mexico will have specially-arranged transport to bring them to their homes or a designated quarantine centre.
They have to check their temperature twice a day and are also encouraged to minimise contact with family members while practising good personal hygiene.
Any person guilty of breaking the home quarantine order may face up to a maximum fine of S$10,000, or jail time of six months, or both.
In the case of a second or subsequent offence, the person will be liable to a maximum fine of S$20,000, or imprisonment of 12 months, or both.
In Singapore, two additional cases were sent for investigations on Sunday.
Of the 27 cases investigated thus far, 23 cases have tested negative for Influenza A, three cases tested positive for the usual seasonal strains of Influenza A, and one is pending laboratory investigations
Meanwhile, three Singaporeans and two foreigners who have been to Mexico in the last seven days were put on voluntary phone surveillance.
- CNA/yt -
NUS steps up measures to prevent spread of influenza A
With still a week to go before the end of the exams, the National University of Singapore has put in place precautionary measures to guard against the spread of influenza A.
Of the three local varsities, only NUS is still in session.
Joanne Chan reports.
For the long lines of NUS students waiting to enter the exam halls, pre-test jitters may not be the only thing making them anxious.
Students were told last week via email and SMS to turn up for their exams an hour earlier to have their temperatures taken.
The school's provost, Tan Eng Chye, said that students running a fever would either be sent to the Communicable Diseases Centre or be made to take the exam in a separate room.
"Students who have a fever and if on questioning, we find that they have a travel history to Mexico, or have been in contact with persons with a travel history to Mexico, they will be referred to the Tan Tock Seng hospital. For the other students who have a fever, we would allow them to continue with their exams, but they would have to be properly masked, and also later on they would be referred to the university health centre for treatment."
Daily temperature taking has also been made mandatory for students staying on campus and all NUS staff.
In an email circular, student residents and staff were told to record their temperature reading online every day by 10 AM.
As the school will continue to buzz with activity until the school's vacation break next week, temperature screening stations have been set up at certain buildings that see high volumes of visitors.
These include the libraries, the University Cultural Centre and the Computer Centre.
Further measures taken by NUS include the suspension of all official travels until the 15th of May, and the school is keeping close tabs on those who have travelled to Mexico and other affected countries.
To date, the school is aware of 1 staff member and 1 student with a travel history to Mexico.
Both have been advised to be quarantined at home, and NUS will continue to follow their progress via phone surveillance.
The school adds that both staff and student are doing well and have not displayed any symptoms of influenza A.
A group of students who were on exchange programmes to the United States and Canada are expected to return to Singapore by the end of this month.
Professor Tan says these students will also be put under home quarantine.
And while the school can't prevent anyone from travelling for personal reasons, the school has appealed for staff and students to stay within contact, says Professor Tan.
"We have strongly advised them to give us their travel schedule so that they remain contactable."
--938Live
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3 home quarantine orders issued on first day
A total of three Home Quarantine Orders were issued, when it came into effect today.
In its update on the Influenza A virus, the Ministry of Health says one was issued to a foreign resident, and two were issued to Singaporeans.
Travellers entering Singapore with a travel history to Mexico over the past seven days will be quarantined for seven days when they enter Singapore.
The Ministry also reported that Singapore is still clear of the H1N1 flu virus.
The alert status remains at orange and precautionary measures are in place to forestall the spread of the virus to Singapore for as long as possible.
There's also no additional cases for investigation today.
Of the 27 cases investigated so far, 24 cases have tested negative for Influenza A, and three tested positive for the usual circulating seasonal strains of Influenza A.
Seven Singaporeans who stayed at the same Metropark Hotel as Hong Kong's index case are currently under quarantine in Hong Kong.
They are all doing well.--938Live
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No human Influenza A H1NI case in Singapore but two cases sent for investigations : MOH
In its daily update on Influenza A H1N1, the Ministry of Health says there are still no human cases in Singapore.
However, there were two additional cases for investigations today.
MOH said of the 29 cases investigated thus far, 24 cases have tested negative for Influenza A.
Four tested positive for the usual circulating seasonal strains of Influenza A.
One is pending laboratory investigations.
At at 5pm today eight Home Quarantine Orders or HQOs have been issued.
Travellers entering Singapore with a travel history to Mexico over the past seven days will be quarantined for seven days when they enter Singapore from when they were last in Mexico.
To date, two were issued to foreign residents and 6 were issued to Singaporeans.
For travellers who are returning from other areas with evidence of community transmission of Influenza A, such as California and New York, MOH advises them to stay at home for seven days, monitor their temperature daily and check themselves for symptoms of flu-like illness.
They should refrain from joining mass gatherings.
Those who develop respiratory illness with fever within seven days after their return should put on a surgical mask and call 993 for an ambulance.
They should also disclose their travel histories to their doctors.
MOH said the seven Singaporeans who have stayed at the same Metropark Hotel as Hong Kong’s index case are currently under quarantine in Hong Kong and are doing well.
MOH also advised members of the public to exercise caution over travel to affected areas.
In the event that travel is unavoidable, the public is advised to take precautionary measures such as avoiding crowded areas and maintaining high standards of personal hygiene at all times.
The public is also advised to maintain high standards of personal hygiene.
MOH is monitoring the situation closely and will update the public should there be any new developments.
The alert status remain at Orange.
--938Live
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sure have one, it is a matter of time
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HSA advises consumers to be wary of products claiming to treat Influenza A
The Health Sciences Authority, HSA, has issued an advisory for consumers to exercise caution when purchasing health products claiming to prevent or treat Influenza A, H1N1.
Such products may be marketed as health supplements, medicinal products, medical devices or vaccines.
It said these products could be offered at retail outlets, via unsolicited spam emails or from the Internet.
HSA said currently only two antiviral drugs - Tamiflu and Relenza - are used for the treatment of Influenza A.
These drugs should only be used when prescribed by a doctor and taken under medical supervision.
It is important to note that taking these antiviral drugs indiscriminately without medical supervision will raise the risk of viruses developing resistance and reducing the effectiveness of the drugs.
HSA said there are no "generic" versions of Tamiflu and Relenza.
There are also no test kits available over-the-counter for individuals to conduct self-diagnosis at home for Influenza A.
Test kits, which are promoted via websites or emails, are unlikely to provide results that are reliable and accurate, HSA said .
It encourages the public to report any suspicious sale of illegal, counterfeit and substandard health products related to Influenza A by calling them at 6866 3485.--938Live
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So.. in a nutshell, Indonesia is chilling out under the hot sun coz they claim the H1N1 virus can't survive tropical weather. Where else in Singapore, we're all getting kiasi and ready.. Hmm..
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Originally posted by superlibra:
So.. in a nutshell, Indonesia is chilling out under the hot sun coz they claim the H1N1 virus can't survive tropical weather. Where else in Singapore, we're all getting kiasi and ready.. Hmm..
ha ha ha, that reminds me of the public hospitals.