Thailand steps up H1N1 flu surveillance as cases soar
Thai health authorities says they'll step up monitoring of workplaces and schools after the number of H1N1 flu cases soared twelve-fold in less than a week.
Thailand's health ministry confirmed a further 51 cases of the H1N1 virus overnight.
This takes the number of infections in the country to just over 200.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has urged people not to panic about the growing number of H1N1 flu cases, especially after a cluster emerged in a key tourist resort in Pattaya.
In Australia, the government says it's ready to raise its flu alert to 'sustain' as the national tally hit nearly 1,500 cases.
Meanwhile,
British authorities have appealed for calm after the first H1N1 flu death outside the Americas was confirmed in the country.
An infected patient who had "underlying health conditions", died in hospital in a Scottish hospital.
British officials would not confirm the victim's identity.
But media reports say she's a 38-year-old woman, who gave birth prematurely about two weeks ago.
The Scottish patient was among 10 people hospitalised with the virus in Britain, out of over 1,200 confirmed cases.
--938Live
Simply can' t believe that countries like Indonesia or the Philippines with so many exit and entry points have no cases of H1N1 up to date yet.
7 new H1N1 cases in Singapore
Singapore has confirmed seven more cases of Influenza A H1N1, bringing the total number of confirmed cases here to 47.
One is a 39-year-old male Singapore PR.
He went to the Philippines for a holiday and developed symptoms on 10 June while he was there.
He returned to Singapore from Manila on 13 June.
The next case is a 10-year-old Singaporean girl, who went to Melbourne with her family on 6 June for a holiday.
She developed symptoms before she boarded the plane on 13 June, and wore a mask during the flight.
She returned to Singapore from Melbourne on 13 June.
The next three cases are Singaporean siblings who also went to Melbourne with their family for a holiday.
They are two boys aged 8 and 6, and a 4-year-old girl.
All three children developed symptoms on 13 June before they boarded the plane.
They returned home on 14 June.
The 6th case is a 10-year-old Australian girl who came to Singapore with her family for a holiday.
She developed symptoms on 14 June while she was on the plane.
The last case detected is a 22-year-old Singaporean female cabin crew with Japanese Airlines.
She travelled as a cabin crew to New York on 6 June.
She later left New York for Tokyo from where she returned home on
12 June.
Contact tracing is ongoing for the cases.
Passengers seated within rows 15 to 19 on PR505 on 13 June,
rows 44 to 48 on SQ228 on 14 June,
rows 41 to 45 on SQ228 on 15 June,
and rows 66 to 70 on QF9, who have not been contacted by MOH yet should call the MOH hotline at 1800-333 9999.
All close contacts identified will be quarantined and provided with antiviral prophylaxis.
MOH reminds travellers from infected areas to consult a doctor there as soon as possible if they feel unwell and to refrain from travelling if they have symptoms within 24 hours of their planned departure.
--938Live
Risk of H1N1 community spread rises in Singapore
Singapore has confirmed two more cases of the H1N1 flu, bringing the total number here to 49.
But the Health Ministry says unlike the earlier imported cases, a number of the recent imported cases have engaged in extensive community activities such as working and shopping since their arrival here.
Some even travelled to Singapore even though they were already unwell prior to departure.
The Ministry says this is contrary to its advice that travellers to affected countries should immediately call 993 for medical assistance if they feel unwell within seven days of arrival.
It adds such behaviour has considerably increased the difficulty of contact tracing and significantly heightened the risk of community spread here in Singapore.
Of the two new cases, one is a 56-year-old German man who works in Singapore as a researcher at Biopolis.
He had gone to Philadelphia in the United States to attend a conference, and developed symptoms while he was there.
Upon his return, he went to work for three days.
He also attended a concert, went shopping and had social activities, including one which was attended by some 70 people.
The other new case is a 26-year-old Indonesian man who works in Singapore.
He had gone to Melbourne for a holiday, and developed symptoms during the trip.
The day after his return on 14th June, he sought medical attention at a clinic and was given two days of medical leave.
Laboratory results confirmed his infection later that day, after he had gone shopping.
Contact tracing is underway for the two cases.
--938Live
What is this kraut trying to do?
The action of this FT here, leaves much to be desired.
It shows the type of person we call FT.
S'pore confirms 17 new cases of H1N1 flu, bringing total to 66
SINGAPORE: Singapore's Health Ministry (MOH) has confirmed
another 17 H1N1 cases, bringing the total so far in the republic to 66.
All the latest cases were imported, with six from Melbourne, six
from the Philippines and the rest also from countries with known
community spread of H1N1.
According to the ministry, some of these patients had proceeded
with their travel plans, meetings or social activities despite having
developed symptoms.
Among the latest cases are two five-year-old children - one
American boy in transit at Changi Airport while en route from
California to Chennai via Hong Kong, and one Singaporean girl returning
from the United States.
Contact tracing is being carried out for the 17 cases.
The ministry reminds travellers, especially those who have been to
countries with sustained community transmission or are in transition
towards community transition, not to engage in extensive community
activities such as working, shopping and participating in mass
activities until they are well.
This will help mitigate the risk of community spread in Singapore and make containment efforts more effective.
The ministry adds that with many Singaporeans returning from their June
holidays or coming home for their summer vacation from countries such
as the US, UK and Australia, Singapore can expect an increase in the
number of imported cases of H1N1 flu.
Of the 66 confirmed cases so far, 31 are from Australia, 19 from the
United States, 11 from the Philippines, with the rest from Thailand,
Canada, UK and Chile. One case was a close local contact of an infected
traveller.
MOH says so far, 25 patients have been discharged. 41 are still in hospital and their conditions are stable.
- CNA/yt
So, are they going to tell us where the Indonesian chap went to, which buses or trains he took and when?
Singapore may have its first local H1N1 flu case
SINGAPORE : Singapore may have its first local case of H1N1 flu with no travel history to a known infected area.
The 26-year-old Malaysian, a Singapore permanent resident, had
developed symptoms the same day he flew to Kuala Lumpur last Sunday.
He saw a doctor in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday and returned to Singapore on Wednesday.
Upon his arrival at Changi Airport, he asked airport staff to call for a 993 ambulance.
Singapore's Health Ministry said he could have come into contact
with one of the earlier confirmed cases here. And unless further
investigations show otherwise, and if more such unlinked cases emerge
over the next few days, this would signal the beginning of community
spread in Singapore.
Ten other imported cases were confirmed on Thursday. Six are
Singaporeans, one is a Singapore permanent resident and three are
foreigners.
The latest cases bring the total number of confirmed cases in Singapore to 77.
- CNA/ms
26 new H1N1 cases, 3 appear to have been infected locally
SINGAPORE: Singapore has confirmed 26 new cases of H1N1 including
three who appear to have acquired their infections in Singapore.
22 cases involve travellers returning from other countries while another case is a close contact of an earlier confirmed case.
The new cases bring the total number of infected people in Singapore to 103.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) says the three unlinked cases have no travel history or known contact with confirmed cases.
One of them is a 27-year-old Filipino who works in Singapore. His
six-member family from the Philippines came to Singapore from Manila on
11 June.
From 12-14 June, he took his family to several places of interest. His
family returned to Manila on 14 June. His six family members appeared
well during their stay in Singapore.
He went to work from 15-17 June. He developed symptoms while he was in
the office on 16 June evening. On 18 June morning, he sought medical
attention at a GP clinic for fever and cough. A 993 ambulance was
called to send him to the Communicable Disease Centre 2 (CDC2) at Tan
Tock Seng Hospital.
Swabs were taken from him for influenza testing under MOH's influenza
surveillance programme, and he was discharged with three days of
medical leave and medication. He went back and stayed at home for the
rest of the day. Laboratory results confirmed his infection on the same
day and he was admitted to CDC2 via a 993 ambulance at night.
Another new unlinked case is a 16-year-old Singaporean student. He was
at home all day on 12 June. From 13 to 15 June, he was out for social
activities. He remained at home on 16 June and went out again on 17
June. He developed symptoms on 17 June night while he was at home.
On 18 June morning, he went to the polyclinic where swabs were taken
under MOH's influenza surveillance programme, and he was prescribed
some medication. He returned home thereafter and remained at home. On
19 June, he received a call from the polyclinic informing him that he
had tested positive for Influenza A (H1N1-2009). He was admitted to
CDC2 via a 993 ambulance.
The third new unlinked case is a 14-year-old Singaporean student.
He stayed home from 10 to 12 June. On 13 and 14 June, he attended
church functions in the morning and returned home thereafter. He went
to Sentosa with his friends on 15 June. While at home, he developed a
fever on 16 June afternoon.
He sought medical attention at a polyclinic on 17 June morning where
swabs were taken for influenza testing under MOH's influenza
surveillance programme. He stayed at home for the rest of that day and
the following day. On 19 June afternoon, he received a call from the
polyclinic informing him that he had tested positive for Influenza A
(H1N1-2009). He was admitted to the KK Women's and Children's Hospital
via a 993 ambulance.
- CNA/ir
AYG athlete from Philippines has H1N1
Organisers of the Asian Youth Games in Singapore say one of the athletes taking part has H1N1.
The patient is from the Philippines football team.
Organisers say the boy developed symptoms yesterday afternoon and a fever was detected during routine temperature checks.
He then sought medical attention at the Games Village's medical centre at around 730 pm yesterday.
He was placed in an isolation room and swaps from this throat were taken for further tests.
It was confirmed this morning that he has the virus and is now being treated at the Communicable Disease Centre.
The boy is in a stable condition.
The Philippines football team was due to play its first match against Taipei at 5 pm today at Meridien Junior College.
But now organisers say all matches involving the Philippines football team will be postponed, though the rest of the Games will still go on.
The Health Ministry is currently conducting contact tracing of the boy's close contacts.
Organisers say all close contacts of the boy will be quarantined at the Aloha Resorts.
So far, 13 youth teams are already in Singapore for the games.
At an earlier media briefing on Thursday, AYG officials say they would consider canceling the games in the event of a ' large community outbreak' among the athletes.
More than 1000 of them are expected to be Singapore during the week-long games which officially opens on Monday.
--938Live
23 new H1N1 cases
Singapore's Health Ministry has confirmed another 23 cases of the H1N1 flu - bringing to 126 the total so far.
Eight of these are local cases, from two clusters of local transmission.
The first cluster is from the Riverlife Church, which saw five students fall ill after attending its services last weekend.
One of them, a student at Chung Cheng High School, was reported on Friday.
Four are new cases, including the student's younger brother.
The second cluster is from the National University of Singapore, which saw three students fall ill.
One case was reported on Friday, while the other two had their infection confirmed on Saturday.
All three are foreign exchange students who had met up last week.
But there are also two new cases with no confirmed links with previous patients.
One is the father of a boy who is a close contact of an earlier case.
The Ministry is investigating if both infections are related.
The remaining 15 are all imported cases.
They include a 14-year-old Asian Youth Games participant from the Philippines.
He has been admitted to the Communicable Disease Centre.
His team-mates and two coaches are quarantined at the Aloha Resort at Loyang.
Singapore's total of confirmed H1N1 cases now stands at 126, with 94 still in hospital.
They are in stable condition.
32 have been discharged.
Contact tracing is underway for all the cases.
--938Live
Total confirmed now is 142 in SG.
But further havent add is, just got new cases in RP.
Stay home. Play computer.
Phase 7
Originally posted by gLc:Total confirmed now is 142 in SG.
But further havent add is, just got new cases in RP.
Popular nightspot identified as 3rd cluster of local H1N1 cases
There are now 142 cases of H1N1 flu here, after another 16 new cases were confirmed recently.
Seven of the new cases are local cases, while 9 have a history of travel to affected areas.
Popular nightclub Butter Factory at One Fullerton has been identified as the third cluster of locally infected cases.
The new case is a 19-year-old Singaporean female student.
She visited the club last Wednesday, when three previously reported cases were also there.
The Health Ministry has advised all who had visited Butter Factory on that day to monitor their health and seek medical attention if they feel unwell.
The other 2 clusters are found at the Riverlife Church and the National University of Singapore.
Two new cases were added to the Riverlife Church cluster.
One is a 20-year-old Singaporean female student who attended a church function on the 13th of June.
The other is a 12-year-old Singaporean boy whose cousin is an earlier case from the cluster.
Of the other four new local cases, one is a colleague of an earlier case, while the other three have no known contact with confirmed cases.
The three are:
A 39-year-old man who was on leave;
A 22-year-old Singaporean female student who took part in a church camp at Prince George's Park from Monday to Thursday last week;
and a 21-year-old National Serviceman based at Clementi Police Station who developed a fever while on duty.
The Health Ministry says contact tracing for all new cases are underway, and information will be provided on its website.
--938Live
Start of local transmissions...not unexpected also...
Seems like places with a lot of close human-to-human contact would be high-risk areas soon...which is like most places in SG. lol
More H1N1 cases at AYG
More confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1 have emerged at the Asian Youth Games village.
Three members of the Hong Kong football team taking part in the games are the latest confirmed cases.
This after tests conducted by the Ministry of Health last night.
The Health Ministry had received information from their Hong Kong counterparts that two players contracted H1N1 and have missed training since 18th of June.
They remained in Hong Kong and did not travel to Singapore.
The Hong Kong team have been isolated at the games' village medical room for now.
The team's match with Saudi Arabia at 5pm today is cancelled.
The three confirmed cases have been sent to Singapore General Hospital.
In an update on the football player from the Philippines, the organising commmittee says he's still undergoing medical treatment at the Communicable Disease Centre, where he is in stable condition.
The 14-year-old developed flu-like symptoms last Friday, and tested positive for the virus a day later.
One other Philippines team member had felt unwell and sent to KK Hospital but he tested negative for H1N1.
He's now back at the Aloha Loyang Resort under quarantine with the rest of the team.
All these confirmed Hong Kong and Philippines cases were imported cases.
None caught the virus locally in Singapore.
But the games' organising committee co-chair, Oon Jin Teik says they are not taking any chances.
"They have activated the standard operating procedures to isolate the case and so on. Despite confirming these three cases from the HK team, we are not taking any chances. So in all, there are 16 athletes, 5 officials, and also two of our liaison officers who are being taken care of right now."
Chairman of the Olympic Council of Asia's Medical Committee, Dr Mani Jegatheesan says the immediate strategy is to keep infections to its lowest by providing timely medical assistance.
He also emphasizes the priority to ensure the health and safety of the athletes.
This will include stepping up temperature checks and reminding athletes to maintain their social distance to prevent chances of infection and community spread.
"This is quite an unusual turn of events that we are dealing with in organizing a multi-sports games. Now, we have been working very closely with SAYGOC and with the Singapore health authorities in monitoring the situation, and we have been in close contact on all the measures put in place. I think the local authorities have done everything according to the books. And it is because of the stringent measures taken, as well as the close vigilance that the positive cases have been picked up and the appropriate action taken."
--938Live
New flu cases
Another Hong Kong player has been tested positive for H1N1 and will be sent to the Singapore General Hospital for treatment, according to a spokesman for Asian Youth Games.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases for the Hong Kong team here to four.
And with a Filipino footballer who tested positive on Saturday, the total number of confirmed H1N1 cases at the Games is five.
For the two Singaporean Liaison Officers, who were isolated in the Medical Centre at Games Village on 22 June, their swab results are negative.
As they are not deemed close contacts of the confirmed cases, they will be released from the isolation room.
But, the spokesman says, they should monitor their own temperature daily, and seek medical attention if they feel unwell.
The number of confirmed H1N1 cases in Singapore is now believed to be 172.
Apart from the cases at the AYG, 26 cases were confirmed earlier in the day.
Giving details, the Ministry of Health says the 26 comprise 17 local cases and 9 cases with travel history.
The 17 new local cases include two additional cases from the Riverlife Church cluster,
one additional case from the cluster at Butter Factory at One Fullerton,
nine cases who attended the Fishermen of Christ Church camp together with an earlier patient,
one case who is linked to two earlier confirmed cases,
two cases with transmission from imported cases,
and two unlinked cases.
As for the 9 new cases with a history of travel, they had visited Australia, Philippines, Britain, United States and Canada.
--938Live
Another 26 new cases of H1N1
The Health Ministry says Singapore has another 26 new H1N1 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 194.
Of the 26 new cases, 10 are local while the other 16 had travel history.
Of the local cases, one is from Riverlife Church, another from Maju Camp, while four are from Butter Factory.
The rest of the local cases are unrelated.
The ministry says in a statement that the Pandemic Preparedness Clinics are gearing up to help manage and treat suspect cases.
Supplies of Personal Protection Equipment as well as Tamiflu have been dispatched to these clinics.
MOH says patients can recognise these clinics by their “H1N1-ready” decal.
The clinics are located island-wide to ensure that Singaporeans have easy access to medical assessment and prompt treatment for influenza-like illness.
To locate the nearest clinic, the public can log on to the ministry's website at www.moh.gov.sg.
--938Live
MediaCorp takes precautionary measures to contain H1N1 virus
Posted: 24 June 2009 1557 hrs
Singapore: Medical authorities confirm that a MediaCorp trainee has contracted the H1N1 virus.
Due to the company's recent week-long break from June 15-19 exposure to other staff was limited.
The trainee is now in hospital, and those exposed are taking
precautionary measures in line with the Health Ministry's guidelines.
According to a MediaCorp statement, the trainee was working in the TV building and the affected work area has been disinfected.
Business will continue as usual.
The company also said that with the rising number of H1N1 infections in
Singapore, MediaCorp has been taking precautionary measures to contain
the spread of the virus.
It has advised all staff who are unwell to stay away from work and to seek immediate medical attention.
All visitors, including studio audiences, are required to have their temperature taken before they can be admitted.
Additionally,visitors are required to declare their contact details as well as travel history for contact tracing purposes.
Another 26 cases of H1N1
Singapore has confirmed another 26 new H1N1 cases, comprising 11 local cases and 15 cases with travel history.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 220.
The 11 new local cases comprise two Butter Factory patrons, two who attended a church camp at the Fishermen of Christ Church, two full-time NS men at Maju Camp, and five unlinked cases.
The five unlinked cases comprise four women and one men, between the ages of 18 to 22.
Of the 15 imported cases, four had a travel history to the Philippines, four to Australia, three to Hong Kong, two to the USA, one to the UK and one to New Zealand.
--938Live
95 new H1N1 cases raise total infected in S'pore to 315
SINGAPORE: The H1N1 virus continues its spread in Singapore.
The Health Ministry confirmed 95 new cases on Thursday, raising the total infected to 315.
About half of the new cases have been investigated and they comprise 25 local infections and 22 imported ones.
Of the 25 new local infections, 10 are Butter Factory nightspot patrons
and staff, four are from the Maju Camp cluster and two caught the virus
from close contact with imported cases.
Nine are linked to a new Republic Polytechnic cluster, which had three previous cases.
The remaining 48 new cases are still being investigated.
Meanwhile, a trainee working in MediaCorp who contracted the H1N1 virus has been cleared and discharged from hospital.
The Health Ministry says those who develop flu symptoms and have a
recent travel history to affect countries should call 993 for an
ambulance and should avoid taking public transport.
Those who have symptoms but no travel history should put on a mask, visit a general practitioner and avoid crowded areas.
- CNA/ir
Oh no.. it won't be long before it reaches 500.
Speechless.....
Originally posted by lianamaster:Oh no.. it won't be long before it reaches 500.
Probably before the week's over.
Any idea how much is the vaccine going to co$t in $ingapore?