Monday, June 22, 2009

Singapore Enhancing its A(H1N1) Flu Surveillance, Measures Being Implemented

As of 18 June 09, Singapore has 77 confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1). 75 cases were imported while one appeared to have acquired his infection in Singapore, and another one was a close contact of a confirmed case. So far 27 patients have been discharged.  The remaining 50 patients (22nd - 23rd, 25th - 28th, 31st - 32nd, 34th, 36th - 37th, 39th - 77th cases) are still in the hospital and their conditions remain stable.

As quoted in MOH website:


We must press on with our containment efforts and everyone must play his part.  This is especially so for recent travelers from infected areas.  They must not engage in community activities and come forward immediately for screening and isolation as soon as flu-like symptoms develop.

In Alert Yellow, stringent border controls will still be maintained, with temperature screening at air, land and sea checkpoints.

Measures Implemented:
  • Stringent border controls will still be maintained, with temperature screening at air, land and sea checkpoints.
  • However, temperature screening requirements and screening for flu-like symptoms and travel history have been lifted at work places, schools, buildings and events.
  • At healthcare institutions, the current tighter restrictions will continue to be in place for the time being, especially in high risk areas such as A & E and ICU.

MOH has been monitoring the flu situation in Singapore, to identify the strains of flu virus circulating. With the threat of an Influenza A (H1N1-2009) outbreak, MOH has enhanced flu surveillance to include up to 3 times more samples from both the community (i.e. polyclinics and GPs) and tertiary care (i.e. hospitals).

The flu A positivity decreased from 21.1% in E-week 22 (31 May - 6 Jun) to 19.9% (preliminary) in E-week 23 (7 Jun - 13 Jun).

Based on past trends, there are 2 peaks in flu activity in Singapore, usually in the months of May to June and December to January.

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