Increase in number of flu cases at polyclinics: MOH
By Monica Kotwani Posted 01 Aug 2016 16:56 Updated 01 Aug 2016 17:11
SINGAPORE: A recent spike in the number of flu cases is being caused by a strain that few in Singapore have immunity against.
Dr Leong Ho Nam, an infectious diseases expert at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, said this in an interview with Channel NewsAsia following the release of latest figures by the Health Ministry showing an increase in the number of acute upper respiratory infections (ARI) seen by polyclinics in July, compared to June.
Dr Leong said Singapore's flu season parallels that of countries in the southern hemisphere, such as Australia. He said people may have picked up the virus while travelling in Australia during the school holidays in June.
"We have a new strain of influenza H3N2, and this has taken in not just Singapore but also the whole world. We see a lot of it between the different countries, spreading around as travellers move from one place to another. This is also a new strain. A lot of people are naive to it, in that we have not experienced this before."
In a statement to Channel NewsAsia, the Health Ministry confirmed there is "evidence of increased influenza activity in recent weeks from the rise in the proportion of cases where influenza viruses have been isolated". It said the rise is consistent with what is typically seen during the flu season, which lasts between November and February and May and August each year.
SIX-MONTH HIGH IN ACUTE UPPER RESPIRATORY CASES
According to the Ministry's weekly infectious diseases bulletin, the number of people visiting polyclinics for acute upper respiratory infections, characterised by symptoms such as a cold, cough and sore throat, hit a 6-month high of 3,427 cases for the week ending Jul 23.
In early June, weekly ARI numbers hovered at around 2,600 cases, before increasing to about 3,000 for the week ending June and early July. Since then, figures have hovered in the 2,900 range, before peaking in the third week of July.
In contrast, the number of patients visiting polyclinics with such symptoms stood at between 2,300 and 2,400 cases for each week in July last year. More people also presented such symptoms last month compared to median July figures for the years 2011 to last year.
Despite the increase in flu activity, MOH said that influenza only accounts for less than 5 per cent of the total number of ARI cases. "Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are very common and are caused by a large number of different viruses, including influenza," the statement said.
Some general practitioners Channel NewsAsia spoke to confirmed they had seen an increase in the number of patients with such symptoms in the last two to three weeks. Dr Tan Tze Lee, a GP at the Edinburgh Clinic, said symptoms seem to be more "uncomfortable".
"We're seeing more cases of high fevers in patients - of 39 and 40 degrees Celsius. The typical runny nose, cough and sore throat are also more uncomfortable. And they're taking longer to clear," he said. Another GP Channel NewsAsia spoke with, who declined to be named, confirmed this trend at his clinic.
POOR 'HERD IMMUNITY' FOR H3N2
After a genetic mutation to the strain was discovered in 2014, H3N2 became the most prevalent strain for almost all of 2015 in Singapore. This year, H3N2 again emerged as the dominant strain among those who tested positive for the flu in June. MOH said that of specimens that tested positive for influenza that month, more than 80 per cent came back positive for the influenza A (H3N2) strain.
Dr Leong said despite the local population being exposed to the virus, it takes "a few years" for it to make its rounds, and for people to built up their herd immunity against it.
A vaccine for the strain has been available since October 2015, according to Dr Leong.
However, there has been a poor uptake, with less than five to 10 per cent of the population vaccinated. "For good protection, you need at the barest minimum 60 to 80 per cent of the population coverage and we are clearly not reaching that So in terms of herd immunity protection, it is very poor. One can pick it up, and in turn, spread it to colleagues and the risk of transmission of the influenza virus is very fast and very easy," he said.
GET VACCINATED
Dr Leong said he expects the number of flu infections to remain high throughout the rest of the year, mainly because of a lack of immunity against the virus, a low vaccination rate and the start of the flu season in the northern hemisphere.
MOH said most people with the flu recover with rest and "symptomatic treatment", but urged young children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses to get vaccinated.
- CNA/mo
- wong chee tat :)
Showing posts with label flu pandemic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flu pandemic. Show all posts
Monday, August 1, 2016
Sunday, November 17, 2013
This the season of flu bugs....
These couple of days saw some of my friends and fellow co-workers affected by the flu bugs. Unfortunately, I got surrendered by the flu bug and needed a weekend to rest. Lots of stuff pending .... =(
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
2 more deaths bring H1N1-related fatalities in S'pore to 3
2 more deaths bring H1N1-related fatalities in S'pore to 3
Posted: 22 July 2009
SINGAPORE: Two patients died on Wednesday, bringing the total number of H1N1-related deaths in Singapore to three.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said a 13-year-old boy, who was admitted to National University Hospital's Paediatric ICU on Sunday, died on Wednesday morning. He had epilepsy and the cause of death was due to prolonged seizures, with H1N1 as a contributing factor.
The second H1N1-related death on Wednesday was a 55-year-old man. He was admitted to Changi General Hospital's ICU last Saturday. The MOH said the cause of his death was severe pneumonia with advanced motor neuron disease and underlying H1N1.
Singapore's first H1N1-related death was a 49-year-old man with severe heart disease and multiple health problems. He died from a heart attack with H1N1 infection on July 18.
Meanwhile, one more H1N1 patient was admitted into ICU on Wednesday. She is a 42-year-old foreigner with a history of hypertension and who is overweight.
She sought treatment at Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Emergency Department, after suffering three days of shortness of breath. She was found to have low oxygen saturation and low blood pressure.
The MOH has been reminding people in the high-risk groups who develop flu-like symptoms to seek medical treatment early.
Elsewhere, a 42-year-old woman with hypertension and thyroid disease - who was admitted to Changi General Hospital's ICU on July 18 - remains in critical condition.
A 46-year-old foreigner with hypertension and kidney disease on dialysis, who was admitted to Mount Elizabeth's ICU on July 20, is in stable condition.
Also in stable condition is a 51-year-old woman with asthma. She was admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital's ICU on July 20.
Of the three patients in Singapore General Hospital's ICU, one has been transferred to the general ward. The other two who are still in the ICU are in stable condition.
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan had said more people in Singapore were expected to be infected with H1N1 as the transmission peaks within the next one to two weeks.
Recent data showed that more than half of all flu cases in Singapore were H1N1 positive.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 22 July 2009
SINGAPORE: Two patients died on Wednesday, bringing the total number of H1N1-related deaths in Singapore to three.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said a 13-year-old boy, who was admitted to National University Hospital's Paediatric ICU on Sunday, died on Wednesday morning. He had epilepsy and the cause of death was due to prolonged seizures, with H1N1 as a contributing factor.
The second H1N1-related death on Wednesday was a 55-year-old man. He was admitted to Changi General Hospital's ICU last Saturday. The MOH said the cause of his death was severe pneumonia with advanced motor neuron disease and underlying H1N1.
Singapore's first H1N1-related death was a 49-year-old man with severe heart disease and multiple health problems. He died from a heart attack with H1N1 infection on July 18.
Meanwhile, one more H1N1 patient was admitted into ICU on Wednesday. She is a 42-year-old foreigner with a history of hypertension and who is overweight.
She sought treatment at Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Emergency Department, after suffering three days of shortness of breath. She was found to have low oxygen saturation and low blood pressure.
The MOH has been reminding people in the high-risk groups who develop flu-like symptoms to seek medical treatment early.
Elsewhere, a 42-year-old woman with hypertension and thyroid disease - who was admitted to Changi General Hospital's ICU on July 18 - remains in critical condition.
A 46-year-old foreigner with hypertension and kidney disease on dialysis, who was admitted to Mount Elizabeth's ICU on July 20, is in stable condition.
Also in stable condition is a 51-year-old woman with asthma. She was admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital's ICU on July 20.
Of the three patients in Singapore General Hospital's ICU, one has been transferred to the general ward. The other two who are still in the ICU are in stable condition.
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan had said more people in Singapore were expected to be infected with H1N1 as the transmission peaks within the next one to two weeks.
Recent data showed that more than half of all flu cases in Singapore were H1N1 positive.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tamiflu-resistant swine flu patient found in Japan: govt
Tamiflu-resistant swine flu patient found in Japan: govt
July 2nd, 2009
- wong chee tat :)
July 2nd, 2009
A genetic mutation of swine flu that is resistant to the anti-viral Tamiflu has been discovered in Japan, the first such case in the country, the health ministry said.
It was the second reported case of Tamiflu resistance linked to swine flu in less than a week.
The latest case was found in a patient who had been given the drug since first being diagnosed with A(H1N1) around two weeks ago, Kyodo news agency reported Thursday, citing the Health, Welfare and Labour Ministry.
The patient -- a woman in Osaka prefecture -- was recovering after having been given Ralenza, an alternative anti-flu medication, the report said.
A spokeswoman for Swiss pharmaceuticals giant Roche, which makes Tamiflu, said the company had been informed of the case and called it "normal."
"It is absolutely normal," she said, adding that "0.4 percent of adults develop resistance" to Tamiflu.
She said the case does not indicate Tamiflu has become less effective against swine flu.
Danish authorities announced earlier this week they had discovered resistance to Tamiflu in a female patient. Ralenza was also used successfully to treat her.
According to the latest World Health Organization figures, Japan has 1,266 reported cases of swine flu, but has so far recorded no fatalities.
(c) 2009 AFP- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
H1N1 cases rise to 701 in Singapore
H1N1 cases rise to 701 in Singapore
Posted: 30 June 2009 1951 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore has confirmed 72 new H1N1 flu cases, bringing the tally to 701 so far.
The Health Ministry says most cases are mild and to date, 281 patients have fully recovered and the rest are recuperating.
Singaporeans should carry on with their usual activities whilst observing good personal hygiene at all times. If unwell, they should see a doctor, stay away from work, school or crowded places, and rest at home.
Investigations are on-going for the 72 new cases. Of the 64 cases investigated on Tuesday, there were 42 local cases and 22 imported ones.
Of the latest cases investigated, the largest number of new cases were linked to the Republic Polytechnic, bringing the total number of cases there to 77.
Over 1,900 second- and third-year students have signed an online petition calling on the polytechnic to suspend classes, not just for first-year students but for them as well.
The polytechnic said it understands the students' concerns and has also received feedback from them through internal channels although it has not received any petition formally.
The school added that it is monitoring the situation closely and is prepared to take additional measures if required to safeguard the well-being of staff and students.
Another three new H1N1 cases were found linked to an orientation camp at the National University of Singapore, bringing the number of cases in that cluster to seven.
Clementi Camp had two new cases raising the total there to 55, while there was one new case each from the Raffles Institution Boarding School, Butter Factory, Maju Camp and Pulau Tekong Camp clusters.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 30 June 2009 1951 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore has confirmed 72 new H1N1 flu cases, bringing the tally to 701 so far.
The Health Ministry says most cases are mild and to date, 281 patients have fully recovered and the rest are recuperating.
Singaporeans should carry on with their usual activities whilst observing good personal hygiene at all times. If unwell, they should see a doctor, stay away from work, school or crowded places, and rest at home.
Investigations are on-going for the 72 new cases. Of the 64 cases investigated on Tuesday, there were 42 local cases and 22 imported ones.
Of the latest cases investigated, the largest number of new cases were linked to the Republic Polytechnic, bringing the total number of cases there to 77.
Over 1,900 second- and third-year students have signed an online petition calling on the polytechnic to suspend classes, not just for first-year students but for them as well.
The polytechnic said it understands the students' concerns and has also received feedback from them through internal channels although it has not received any petition formally.
The school added that it is monitoring the situation closely and is prepared to take additional measures if required to safeguard the well-being of staff and students.
Another three new H1N1 cases were found linked to an orientation camp at the National University of Singapore, bringing the number of cases in that cluster to seven.
Clementi Camp had two new cases raising the total there to 55, while there was one new case each from the Raffles Institution Boarding School, Butter Factory, Maju Camp and Pulau Tekong Camp clusters.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Samsung Singapore confirms its first H1N1 case
Samsung Singapore confirms its first H1N1 case
By 938LIVE | Posted: 30 June 2009 1927 hrs
SINGAPORE: Samsung Singapore has confirmed its first H1N1 case. The person is an employee from South Korea who is in Singapore for training.
In an email reply to 938LIVE, the company said the employee was diagnosed as being infected on Friday.
He displayed symptoms of the virus when he reported for work and was immediately sent to hospital.
Samsung said he is currently recovering well in hospital.
All 25 employees from Samsung Singapore were tested for H1N1 and all tested negative for the virus.
As a precautionary measure, all 25 employees are exempted from office duties, and will operate from home until Friday, July 3.
The company said it has since thoroughly disinfected its office.
- 938LIVE/vm
- wong chee tat :)
By 938LIVE | Posted: 30 June 2009 1927 hrs
SINGAPORE: Samsung Singapore has confirmed its first H1N1 case. The person is an employee from South Korea who is in Singapore for training.
In an email reply to 938LIVE, the company said the employee was diagnosed as being infected on Friday.
He displayed symptoms of the virus when he reported for work and was immediately sent to hospital.
Samsung said he is currently recovering well in hospital.
All 25 employees from Samsung Singapore were tested for H1N1 and all tested negative for the virus.
As a precautionary measure, all 25 employees are exempted from office duties, and will operate from home until Friday, July 3.
The company said it has since thoroughly disinfected its office.
- 938LIVE/vm
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, June 29, 2009
30 new H1N1 cases raise total in Singapore to 629
30 new H1N1 cases raise total in Singapore to 629
Posted: 29 June 2009 2151 hrs
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SINGAPORE: Singapore has confirmed 30 new cases of H1N1 flu, bringing the total to 629 so far.
According to the Health Ministry, 246 patients have fully recovered while the rest are in stable condition.
Together with 105 cases pending investigation on Sunday, 71 have been investigated - comprising 58 local cases and 13 imported ones.
A new cluster has surfaced, comprising three Raffles Institution Boarding School students who have just returned from affected countries.
The greatest number of new cases registered on Monday, however, came from the Republic Polytechnic. It has 17 new cases, bringing the total in the cluster to 66.
There were eight new cases at Clementi Camp, which now has 53 cases.
Maju Camp has three new ones, bringing the total there to 22.
At the Police Coast Guard's Brani Base, one new case brings the total there to five.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Local clusters of H1N1 transmission take measures to minimise spread of virus
Local clusters of H1N1 transmission take measures to minimise spread of virus
By Ng Lian Cheong/Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 21 June 2009 2139 hrs
SINGAPORE : Singapore's first two clusters of local H1N1 transmission have taken measures to minimise the spread of the virus.
The National University of Singapore which had three cases - all exchange students - said it is monitoring the situation closely.
The students are in stable condition, and close contacts placed on Home Quarantine Orders are doing well.
Riverlife Church - which had five cases - saw a relatively quieter Sunday service.
As a precaution, the church had asked those aged 18 and below not to attend services for now.
Those older must undergo mandatory temperature screening before entering the church.
City Harvest Church, which has about 27,000 members, said it spent some S$10,000 on sanitisers and 60,000 masks.
Derek Dunn, Executive Pastor of City Harvest Church, said: "Those (who) may be exposed to someone who may have contracted H1N1, we request that they do not come for the services and do the voluntary quarantine. We have 'live' streaming for all services; they can actually watch it at home from the Internet."
The Asian Youth Games organising committee said the infected Filipino football player is also in stable condition.
His team mates have tested negative for the virus. But they will remain quarantined until June 26.
The committee said no further tests will be done on the players, unless they develop flu-like symptoms.
- CNA/ms
- wong chee tat :)
By Ng Lian Cheong/Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 21 June 2009 2139 hrs
SINGAPORE : Singapore's first two clusters of local H1N1 transmission have taken measures to minimise the spread of the virus.
The National University of Singapore which had three cases - all exchange students - said it is monitoring the situation closely.
The students are in stable condition, and close contacts placed on Home Quarantine Orders are doing well.
Riverlife Church - which had five cases - saw a relatively quieter Sunday service.
As a precaution, the church had asked those aged 18 and below not to attend services for now.
Those older must undergo mandatory temperature screening before entering the church.
City Harvest Church, which has about 27,000 members, said it spent some S$10,000 on sanitisers and 60,000 masks.
Derek Dunn, Executive Pastor of City Harvest Church, said: "Those (who) may be exposed to someone who may have contracted H1N1, we request that they do not come for the services and do the voluntary quarantine. We have 'live' streaming for all services; they can actually watch it at home from the Internet."
The Asian Youth Games organising committee said the infected Filipino football player is also in stable condition.
His team mates have tested negative for the virus. But they will remain quarantined until June 26.
The committee said no further tests will be done on the players, unless they develop flu-like symptoms.
- CNA/ms
- wong chee tat :)
Schools to re-open as scheduled despite H1N1 situation
Schools to re-open as scheduled despite H1N1 situation
By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 22 June 2009 1823 hrs
SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has said schools will re-open and the Asian Youth Games and National Day celebrations will carry on.
But recently-returned students who have travelled to affected countries will stay at home for one week before joining their classmates when schools re-open on Monday.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) will provide more details soon, added Mr Khaw.
The health minister was speaking at a news conference on Monday to give an update on the latest developments on the Influenza A(H1N1)situation.
Mr Khaw said that overall, life must continue as normally as possible with targeted control measures.
One of them would be to close a school when a significant cluster is found so as to break the transmission or to isolate a competing team from other athletes as was done with the Filipino and the Hong Kong football players.
Mr Khaw also revealed that the scientific committee, chaired by the Director of Medical Services, is effectively evaluating the characteristics and the genome of the virus.
The committee has determined that the H1N1 virus in Singapore remains identical with that in North America.
Hence, the consensus view was that the virus remains moderate-risk and Singaporeans need not panic over the development that there is now community spread in the country.
Mr Khaw is confident that almost all infected cases will be able to recover fully and that Tamiflu and Relenza remain effective against the disease.
He, however, added: "But I thought I should explain that moderate risk does not mean no death. Just like the seasonal flu, there will be some deaths. That's why we need to target the high-risk patients, especially those with underlying medical conditions and to render the best chance of a full recovery. And that is why we need to allow our hospitals to be able to focus on the high-risk cases and not be distracted or overwhelmed by hundreds of mild cases."
Among those in the high risk include pregnant mothers, people with asthma, those on kidney dialysis or on chemotherapy.
The Health Ministry intends to advise these groups of patients with direct mailers of what they can do to protect themselves.
On its part, the Health Ministry is also gearing up all its polyclinics and a few hundred general practitioners to treat suspected H1N1 cases in Singapore.
Giving details of measures to tackle a wider community spread of the influenza, Mr Khaw explained that these will be called Pandemic Preparedness Clinics or PPCs and they can be recognised by their decal to handle walk-in suspect cases.
These clinics will only refer some categories of high-risk suspect patients to public hospitals.
Mr Khaw said the Health Ministry would publicise to Singaporeans where these clinics are so they know where to seek advice.
He explained: "When the local bio-surveillance data confirms significant community spread and we need to move from containment to full mitigation, we will signal to the public to use these PPCs instead of going to the hospitals if their flu conditions are mild. And this may happen over the next few days."
The Health Minister also revealed that the government would secure adequate supplies of the H1N1 vaccine for the population.
Besides the existing supply contract with the vaccine manufacturer, Mr Khaw said the ministry is also in active negotiations with other vaccine manufacturers. The aim is to diversify the supply of H1N1 vaccines.
Concluding, Mr Khaw said that last week has been eventful in the development of the outbreak in Singapore and the ministry expects this development.
That's because June would be challenging, given the large number of travellers returning from their holidays.
But the seven-week head start in battling the virus has been extremely useful, Mr Khaw said, to allow the government to gear up its system for the community spread phase of the outbreak.
His advice to Singaporeans: just carry on with your lives normally but keep up the high standard of personal hygiene.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 22 June 2009 1823 hrs
SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has said schools will re-open and the Asian Youth Games and National Day celebrations will carry on.
But recently-returned students who have travelled to affected countries will stay at home for one week before joining their classmates when schools re-open on Monday.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) will provide more details soon, added Mr Khaw.
The health minister was speaking at a news conference on Monday to give an update on the latest developments on the Influenza A(H1N1)situation.
Mr Khaw said that overall, life must continue as normally as possible with targeted control measures.
One of them would be to close a school when a significant cluster is found so as to break the transmission or to isolate a competing team from other athletes as was done with the Filipino and the Hong Kong football players.
Mr Khaw also revealed that the scientific committee, chaired by the Director of Medical Services, is effectively evaluating the characteristics and the genome of the virus.
The committee has determined that the H1N1 virus in Singapore remains identical with that in North America.
Hence, the consensus view was that the virus remains moderate-risk and Singaporeans need not panic over the development that there is now community spread in the country.
Mr Khaw is confident that almost all infected cases will be able to recover fully and that Tamiflu and Relenza remain effective against the disease.
He, however, added: "But I thought I should explain that moderate risk does not mean no death. Just like the seasonal flu, there will be some deaths. That's why we need to target the high-risk patients, especially those with underlying medical conditions and to render the best chance of a full recovery. And that is why we need to allow our hospitals to be able to focus on the high-risk cases and not be distracted or overwhelmed by hundreds of mild cases."
Among those in the high risk include pregnant mothers, people with asthma, those on kidney dialysis or on chemotherapy.
The Health Ministry intends to advise these groups of patients with direct mailers of what they can do to protect themselves.
On its part, the Health Ministry is also gearing up all its polyclinics and a few hundred general practitioners to treat suspected H1N1 cases in Singapore.
Giving details of measures to tackle a wider community spread of the influenza, Mr Khaw explained that these will be called Pandemic Preparedness Clinics or PPCs and they can be recognised by their decal to handle walk-in suspect cases.
These clinics will only refer some categories of high-risk suspect patients to public hospitals.
Mr Khaw said the Health Ministry would publicise to Singaporeans where these clinics are so they know where to seek advice.
He explained: "When the local bio-surveillance data confirms significant community spread and we need to move from containment to full mitigation, we will signal to the public to use these PPCs instead of going to the hospitals if their flu conditions are mild. And this may happen over the next few days."
The Health Minister also revealed that the government would secure adequate supplies of the H1N1 vaccine for the population.
Besides the existing supply contract with the vaccine manufacturer, Mr Khaw said the ministry is also in active negotiations with other vaccine manufacturers. The aim is to diversify the supply of H1N1 vaccines.
Concluding, Mr Khaw said that last week has been eventful in the development of the outbreak in Singapore and the ministry expects this development.
That's because June would be challenging, given the large number of travellers returning from their holidays.
But the seven-week head start in battling the virus has been extremely useful, Mr Khaw said, to allow the government to gear up its system for the community spread phase of the outbreak.
His advice to Singaporeans: just carry on with your lives normally but keep up the high standard of personal hygiene.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Singapore changes tactics to battle H1N1 influenza
Singapore changes tactics to battle H1N1 influenza
Channel NewsAsia
Channel NewsAsia - Tuesday, June 23
SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has spelt out measures in the country’s tactics to battle the H1N1 virus as circumstances in the country change.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, he said as the numbers in the country escalate, agencies have to shift their resources to focus on detecting and treating infected cases, paying special attention to high—risk patients.
From now, there will be a shift from alert level of Yellow Containment to Yellow Mitigation, and Singaporeans can expect some adjustments in the next few days.
Firstly, Mr Khaw said the Health Ministry (MOH) will take a much more focused approach on contact tracing. Most of the contact tracing efforts thus far concern flight passengers who sit close to confirmed cases.
But with community spread, the likelihood of infection has now shifted to the local community, instead of only the plane cabin.
Mr Khaw said MOH has started to scale down such contact tracing and it would henceforth decide on a case—by—case basis, taking into account the medical condition of the infected patients while they were on board a flight.
The minister, however, stressed that isolating close family members of confirmed cases remains a useful control measure. Temperature screening is also effective as one in four of those detected were picked up by the scanners.
Secondly, the hospitals have ramped up their laboratory facilities, so they are all capable of testing and confirming H1N1 cases.
Thirdly, the government has geared up all the public hospitals to handle H1N1 cases.
Mr Khaw said the 993 ambulances have begun sending suspect patients to all public hospitals, not just to Tan Tock Seng Hospital and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
— CNA/so
- wong chee tat :)
Channel NewsAsia
Channel NewsAsia - Tuesday, June 23
SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has spelt out measures in the country’s tactics to battle the H1N1 virus as circumstances in the country change.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, he said as the numbers in the country escalate, agencies have to shift their resources to focus on detecting and treating infected cases, paying special attention to high—risk patients.
From now, there will be a shift from alert level of Yellow Containment to Yellow Mitigation, and Singaporeans can expect some adjustments in the next few days.
Firstly, Mr Khaw said the Health Ministry (MOH) will take a much more focused approach on contact tracing. Most of the contact tracing efforts thus far concern flight passengers who sit close to confirmed cases.
But with community spread, the likelihood of infection has now shifted to the local community, instead of only the plane cabin.
Mr Khaw said MOH has started to scale down such contact tracing and it would henceforth decide on a case—by—case basis, taking into account the medical condition of the infected patients while they were on board a flight.
The minister, however, stressed that isolating close family members of confirmed cases remains a useful control measure. Temperature screening is also effective as one in four of those detected were picked up by the scanners.
Secondly, the hospitals have ramped up their laboratory facilities, so they are all capable of testing and confirming H1N1 cases.
Thirdly, the government has geared up all the public hospitals to handle H1N1 cases.
Mr Khaw said the 993 ambulances have begun sending suspect patients to all public hospitals, not just to Tan Tock Seng Hospital and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
— CNA/so
- wong chee tat :)
Singapore confirms two clusters of H1N1 local transmission
Singapore confirms two clusters of H1N1 local transmission
By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 21 June 2009 0111 hrs
SINGAPORE : Singapore has confirmed another 23 cases of the H1N1 flu, bringing the total so far to 126.
Of the 23 new cases, eight are local cases from two clusters of local transmission.
The first is the Riverlife Church, which saw five students fall ill after attending its services on June 13 and 14.
One of them, a student at Chung Cheng High School (Main) was reported on Friday.
Four are new cases, including the student's younger brother. Another two are also students at Chung Cheng High School.
A second cluster was found at the National University of Singapore (NUS), which saw three students fall ill.
One of them was reported on Friday, while the other two had their infection confirmed on Saturday.
The two new cases are a 24-year-old Columbian woman and a 22-year-old American woman.
All three are foreign exchange students who had met up on June 13. They were with a group of other NUS schoolmates on an educational trip to Thailand from June 5 to 8.
There are also two new cases that have no confirmed links with previous patients.
One of them is the father of a boy who is a close contact of an earlier case.
The Ministry of Health is investigating if both infections are related.
The remaining 15 are all imported cases, including a 14-year-old Asian Youth Games participant from the Philippines.
He has been admitted to the Communicable Disease Centre, while his team-mates and two coaches are quarantined at the Aloha Resort at Loyang.
Singapore's total number of confirmed H1N1 cases now stands at 126, with 94 still in hospital. They are in stable condition.
Contact tracing is underway for all the cases.
- CNA /ls
- wong chee tat :)
By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 21 June 2009 0111 hrs
SINGAPORE : Singapore has confirmed another 23 cases of the H1N1 flu, bringing the total so far to 126.
Of the 23 new cases, eight are local cases from two clusters of local transmission.
The first is the Riverlife Church, which saw five students fall ill after attending its services on June 13 and 14.
One of them, a student at Chung Cheng High School (Main) was reported on Friday.
Four are new cases, including the student's younger brother. Another two are also students at Chung Cheng High School.
A second cluster was found at the National University of Singapore (NUS), which saw three students fall ill.
One of them was reported on Friday, while the other two had their infection confirmed on Saturday.
The two new cases are a 24-year-old Columbian woman and a 22-year-old American woman.
All three are foreign exchange students who had met up on June 13. They were with a group of other NUS schoolmates on an educational trip to Thailand from June 5 to 8.
There are also two new cases that have no confirmed links with previous patients.
One of them is the father of a boy who is a close contact of an earlier case.
The Ministry of Health is investigating if both infections are related.
The remaining 15 are all imported cases, including a 14-year-old Asian Youth Games participant from the Philippines.
He has been admitted to the Communicable Disease Centre, while his team-mates and two coaches are quarantined at the Aloha Resort at Loyang.
Singapore's total number of confirmed H1N1 cases now stands at 126, with 94 still in hospital. They are in stable condition.
Contact tracing is underway for all the cases.
- CNA /ls
- wong chee tat :)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
H1N1 flu death toll in US, Canada reaches 100
H1N1 flu death toll in US, Canada reaches 100
Posted: 20 June 2009 1301 hrs
WASHINGTON: Figures released Friday by US and Canadian health authorities show that the H1N1 flu pandemic has killed 100 people in Canada and the United States.
Eighty-seven people died from the disease in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control reported, adding that there were 21,449 confirmed cases.
The figures are a jump from the previous report on June 12, when 44 people were reported dead and 17,855 cases were confirmed.
In Canada, the world's third most affected country, health authorities reported a 13th death and 5,710 confirmed cases of A(H1N1) flu.
In Mexico, where the flu strain was first spotted, authorities reported 113 killed by the disease and the number of confirmed infections at more than 7,000.
The most recent World Health Organization data, out Thursday, showed that the H1N1 flu has infected nearly 40,000 people around the world in 89 countries and territories, causing 167 deaths since late March.
Some affected countries no longer keep track of all cases according to the UN health agency, while others do not report for each of the thrice-weekly bulletins.
- AFP/yb
The H1N1 is getting out of control!
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 20 June 2009 1301 hrs
WASHINGTON: Figures released Friday by US and Canadian health authorities show that the H1N1 flu pandemic has killed 100 people in Canada and the United States.
Eighty-seven people died from the disease in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control reported, adding that there were 21,449 confirmed cases.
The figures are a jump from the previous report on June 12, when 44 people were reported dead and 17,855 cases were confirmed.
In Canada, the world's third most affected country, health authorities reported a 13th death and 5,710 confirmed cases of A(H1N1) flu.
In Mexico, where the flu strain was first spotted, authorities reported 113 killed by the disease and the number of confirmed infections at more than 7,000.
The most recent World Health Organization data, out Thursday, showed that the H1N1 flu has infected nearly 40,000 people around the world in 89 countries and territories, causing 167 deaths since late March.
Some affected countries no longer keep track of all cases according to the UN health agency, while others do not report for each of the thrice-weekly bulletins.
- AFP/yb
The H1N1 is getting out of control!
- wong chee tat :)
Public hospitals gearing up for possible H1N1 surge
Public hospitals gearing up for possible H1N1 surge
By Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 19 June 2009 2144 hrs
SINGAPORE: Public hospitals in Singapore are gearing up to take in H1N1 patients.
Currently, H1N1 cases are only seen at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, the Communicable Disease Centre and the KK Women's and Children's Hospital's paediatric unit.
But if Singapore moves from the containment to mitigation stage, once there is sustained community transmission, it is very likely that restructured hospitals will have to be roped in to manage H1N1 cases.
The National University Hospital (NUH) told Channel NewsAsia that it has been preparing for a possible surge since the first alert from the Health Ministry about two months ago.
Its spokesperson said measures it has prepared to take include postponing non-urgent elective surgeries to create surge capacity, equipping and converting some beds to create more isolation rooms, expanding a fever facility at the Accident and Emergency department and deploying more staff.
More staff will be deployed to A&E to cope with the increased workload once the fever facility is expanded, for example, to perform nasal swabs and provide explanations to patients and their families.
Posters and materials to educate and remind staff, patients and visitors on the importance of hand hygiene and Personal Protection Equipment will also be put up.
Over at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH), staff are also prepared to manage and treat H1N1 patients.
SGH said its response preparedness was ramped up and put in place since the initial stages of the global outbreak.
The hospital has also set aside adequate isolation and intensive care facilities to manage the increase in H1N1 cases, especially in light of potential community spread.
- CNA/i
- wong chee tat :)
By Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 19 June 2009 2144 hrs
SINGAPORE: Public hospitals in Singapore are gearing up to take in H1N1 patients.
Currently, H1N1 cases are only seen at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, the Communicable Disease Centre and the KK Women's and Children's Hospital's paediatric unit.
But if Singapore moves from the containment to mitigation stage, once there is sustained community transmission, it is very likely that restructured hospitals will have to be roped in to manage H1N1 cases.
The National University Hospital (NUH) told Channel NewsAsia that it has been preparing for a possible surge since the first alert from the Health Ministry about two months ago.
Its spokesperson said measures it has prepared to take include postponing non-urgent elective surgeries to create surge capacity, equipping and converting some beds to create more isolation rooms, expanding a fever facility at the Accident and Emergency department and deploying more staff.
More staff will be deployed to A&E to cope with the increased workload once the fever facility is expanded, for example, to perform nasal swabs and provide explanations to patients and their families.
Posters and materials to educate and remind staff, patients and visitors on the importance of hand hygiene and Personal Protection Equipment will also be put up.
Over at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH), staff are also prepared to manage and treat H1N1 patients.
SGH said its response preparedness was ramped up and put in place since the initial stages of the global outbreak.
The hospital has also set aside adequate isolation and intensive care facilities to manage the increase in H1N1 cases, especially in light of potential community spread.
- CNA/i
- wong chee tat :)
Friday, June 12, 2009
Novartis produces first batch of swine flu vaccine
Novartis produces first batch of swine flu vaccine
June 12th, 2009
Swiss drugs giant Novartis has completed a first batch of swine flu vaccine for pre-clinical trials and aims to make a version available in the fall, the company said Friday.
"Novartis has successfully completed the production of the first batch of influenza A(H1N1) vaccine, weeks ahead of expectations," the company said in a statement.
The 10-litre batch "will be used for pre-clinical evaluation and testing and is also being considered for use in clinical trials," it said.
Novartis hopes to start clinical trials in July and "expects licensure in the fall of 2009," it said.
It added that "more than 30 governments have made requests to Novartis to supply them with influenza A(H1N1) vaccine ingredients."
The company used cell-based technology to produce the vaccine, a faster method than the traditional technology that uses eggs, according to Novartis.
Novartis received 289 million dollars (206.8 million euros) last month from the US Department of Health and Human Services for the development of the vaccine.
The World Health Organization declared a swine flu pandemic on Thursday, ratcheting up its alert to the maximum level of six.
Swine flu has infected people almost 30,000 people in 75 countries and claimed 144 lives since it was first detected in Mexico in April.
(c) 2009 AFP
- wong chee tat :)
June 12th, 2009
Swiss drugs giant Novartis has completed a first batch of swine flu vaccine for pre-clinical trials and aims to make a version available in the fall, the company said Friday.
"Novartis has successfully completed the production of the first batch of influenza A(H1N1) vaccine, weeks ahead of expectations," the company said in a statement.
The 10-litre batch "will be used for pre-clinical evaluation and testing and is also being considered for use in clinical trials," it said.
Novartis hopes to start clinical trials in July and "expects licensure in the fall of 2009," it said.
It added that "more than 30 governments have made requests to Novartis to supply them with influenza A(H1N1) vaccine ingredients."
The company used cell-based technology to produce the vaccine, a faster method than the traditional technology that uses eggs, according to Novartis.
Novartis received 289 million dollars (206.8 million euros) last month from the US Department of Health and Human Services for the development of the vaccine.
The World Health Organization declared a swine flu pandemic on Thursday, ratcheting up its alert to the maximum level of six.
Swine flu has infected people almost 30,000 people in 75 countries and claimed 144 lives since it was first detected in Mexico in April.
(c) 2009 AFP
- wong chee tat :)
Swine Flu Update: WHO Declares Pandemic In Response To Ongoing Global Spread Of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus
Swine Flu Update: WHO Declares Pandemic In Response To Ongoing Global Spread Of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus
ScienceDaily (June 12, 2009) — On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus, which causes swine flu. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.
More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with novel H1N1 flu. This number has been increasing over the past few weeks, but many of the cases reportedly had links to travel or were localized outbreaks without community spread. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of world.
WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. It’s uncertain at this time how serious or severe this novel H1N1 pandemic will be in terms of how many people infected will develop serious complications or die from novel H1N1 infection. Experience with this virus so far is limited and influenza is unpredictable. However, because novel H1N1 is a new virus, many people may have little or no immunity against it, and illness may be more severe and widespread as a result. In addition, currently there is no vaccine to protect against novel H1N1 virus.
In the United States, most people who have become ill with the newly declared pandemic virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment, however, CDC anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this pandemic in the coming days and weeks. In addition, this virus could cause significant illness with associated hospitalizations and deaths in the fall and winter during the U.S. influenza season.
Background
Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that first caused illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April, 2009. It’s thought that novel influenza A (H1N1) flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus, but it may also be spread by touching infected objects and then touching your nose or mouth. Novel H1N1 infection has been reported to cause a wide range of flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In addition, many people also have reported nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
The first novel H1N1 patient in the United States was confirmed by laboratory testing at CDC on April 15, 2009. The second patient was confirmed on April 17, 2009. It was quickly determined that the virus was spreading from person-to-person. On April 22, CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center to better coordinate the public health response. On April 26, 2009, the United States Government declared a public health emergency and has been actively and aggressively implementing the nation’s pandemic response plan.
Since the outbreak was first detected, an increasing number of U.S. states have reported cases of novel H1N1 influenza with associated hospitalizations and deaths. By June 3, 2009, all 50 states in the United States and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico were reporting cases of novel H1N1 infection. While nationwide U.S. influenza surveillance systems indicate that overall influenza activity is decreasing in the country at this time, novel H1N1 outbreaks are ongoing in parts of the U.S., in some cases with intense activity.
CDC is continuing to watch the situation carefully, to support the public health response and to gather information about this virus and its characteristics. The Southern Hemisphere is just beginning its influenza season and the experience there may provide valuable clues about what may occur in the Northern Hemisphere this fall and winter.
CDC Response
CDC continues to take aggressive action to respond to the outbreak. CDC’s response goals are to reduce the spread and severity of illness, and to provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this new public health threat.
CDC is issuing updated interim guidance in response to the rapidly evolving situation (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm).
Clinician Guidance
CDC has issued interim guidance for clinicians on identifying and caring for patients with novel H1N1 (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/identifyingpatients.htm), in addition to providing interim guidance on the use of antiviral drugs (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm). Influenza antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) with activity against influenza viruses, including novel influenza H1N1 viruses. The priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during this outbreak is to treat people hospitalized with influenza illness, and to treat people at increased risk of severe illness, including pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes and other metabolic diseases, heart or lung disease, kidney disease, weakened immune systems, and persons with neurologic or neuromuscular disease.
Public Guidance
CDC has provided guidance for the public on what to do if they become sick with flu-like symptoms, including infection with novel H1N1 (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm). CDC also has issued instructions on taking care of a sick person at home (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm) and the use of facemasks and respirators to reduce novel influenza A (H1n1) transmission (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm). Everyone should take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, including frequent hand washing and people who are sick should stay home and avoid contact with others in order to limit further spread of the disease.
Testing
CDC has developed a PCR diagnostic test kit to detect this novel H1N1 virus and has now distributed test kits to all states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The test kits are being shipped internationally as well. This will allow states and other countries to test for this new virus.
Vaccine
Vaccines are a very important part of a response to pandemic influenza and the U.S. Government is aggressively taking early steps in the process to manufacture a novel H1N1 vaccine, working closely with manufacturers. CDC has isolated the new H1N1 virus, made a candidate vaccine virus that can be used to create vaccine, and has provided this virus to industry so they can begin scaling up for production of a vaccine, if necessary. Making vaccine is a long multi-step process requiring several months to complete.
Stockpile Deployment
CDC has deployed 25 percent of the supplies in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to all states in the continental United States and U.S. territories. This included antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices. The influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. These supplies and medicines will help states and U.S. territories respond to novel H1N1 virus.
Surveillance
Novel influenza A (H1N1) activity is now being detected through CDC’s routine influenza surveillance systems and reported weekly in FluView. CDC tracks U.S. influenza activity through multiple systems across five categories. While our influenza surveillance systems indicate that overall influenza activity is decreasing in the United States, novel H1N1 outbreaks are ongoing in different parts of the U.S., in some cases with intense influenza-like activity. Most of the influenza viruses being detected now are novel H1N1 viruses.
Shared Responsibility
Individuals have an important role in protecting themselves and their families.
* Stay informed. Health officials will provide additional information as it becomes available.
* Everyone should take these everyday steps to protect your health and lessen the spread of this new virus:
o Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
o Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
o Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
o If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
o Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social
distancing measures.
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Hong Kong reports first domestic human H1N1 flu case
Hong Kong reports first domestic human H1N1 flu case
Posted: 10 June 2009
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People wearing masks in Hong Kong | ||||||
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HONG KONG - Hong Kong health authorities on Wednesday reported the territory's first case of human H1N1 flu where the person had caught the virus within the city.
Thomas Tsang, controller of the Centre for Health Protection, said the patient, a 55-year-old man, had caught the A(H1N1) virus at an event which another known H1N1 flu patient had attended.
"He had no travel history during the incubation period. We find he had been at the same cocktail party function as the confirmed case on June 5," Tsang told reporters.
- AFP/vm
- http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/435078/1/.html
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, June 8, 2009
Three more H1N1 patients discharged from CDC
Three more H1N1 patients discharged from CDC
By Hasnita Majid, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 08 June 2009 2052 hrs
SINGAPORE: Three more patients who had the H1N1 flu virus have been discharged from the Communicable Disease Centre (CDC), bringing the total number of patients discharged to nine.
Six patients are still in hospital and their conditions are stable.
The Ministry of Health said on Monday that Singapore had one suspected case of H1N1 infection but subsequent tests proved negative, so the total number of confirmed cases remains at 15.
Seventy-three countries have officially reported 25,288 cases of H1N1 infection, including 139 deaths.
- CNA/so
- wong chee tat :)
By Hasnita Majid, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 08 June 2009 2052 hrs
SINGAPORE: Three more patients who had the H1N1 flu virus have been discharged from the Communicable Disease Centre (CDC), bringing the total number of patients discharged to nine.
Six patients are still in hospital and their conditions are stable.
The Ministry of Health said on Monday that Singapore had one suspected case of H1N1 infection but subsequent tests proved negative, so the total number of confirmed cases remains at 15.
Seventy-three countries have officially reported 25,288 cases of H1N1 infection, including 139 deaths.
- CNA/so
- wong chee tat :)
Swine flu spreads to 73 countries with over 25,000 infected
Swine flu spreads to 73 countries with over 25,000 infected
June 8th, 2009
Swine flu has now spread to 73 countries with 25,288 people known to have been infected since the disease was first uncovered in April, data from the World Health Organisation showed Monday.
The number of deaths rose to 139 after 14 more deaths were reported, according to the latest WHO tally of confirmed influenza A(H1N1) cases.
Most of the new cases were reported by the United States, with 2,163 new infections, bringing its total caseload to 13,217, including 27 deaths.
Australia also posted a significant rise of 175 cases, bringing its total to 1,051.
Chile likewise saw its caseload grow by 42 to 411 in total.
Flu experts are watching the situation in Australia and Chile carefully as they are part of the southern hemisphere which is entering the flu-prone winter season.
Meanwhile, the Cayman Islands, Dominica and the United Arab Emirates reported a case each to the WHO for the first time.
Trinidad and Tobago also joined the list of countries with infections, after reporting two new cases.
Some affected countries no longer keep track of all cases according to the WHO, while others do not report daily.
The WHO is now only updating its tally three times a week, rather than daily.
(c) 2009 AFP
This is really scary!
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Flu A/H1N1 cases keep rising in Asia-Pacific region Thursday
www.chinaview.cn  2009-06-04 01:07:55 |   Print |
Hong Kong, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The flu A/H1N1 infection cases keep rising in the Asia-Pacific region as the flu-stricken countries and regions, including Japan, Australia, the Philippines and Thailand, all reported fresh confirmed cases on Thursday.
With five more cases confirmed in Shizuoka, Tokyo and Chiba, Japan's tally of confirmed cases of the new strain of flu virus infection reached 410 in Japan on Thursday, the health authorities said.
In Tokyo, a 25-year-old male student who returned from the United States on Tuesday tested positive for the flu. In Shizuoka, local authorities confirmed that two men, in their 20s, have been infected with the new flu virus.
The cases were reported at a time when the flu appeared to be running out of steam in Japan.
With the resumption of classes at Kobe Gakuin University High School Wednesday, all schools, which were closed amid the flu fears, reopened in western Japan's Kobe.
Thailand's Public Health Ministry confirmed on Thursday the country's first human-to-human case of A/H1N1 flu infection.
The ministry said the patient is a 19-year-old man, who has not traveled abroad. He was infected by his mother, who was sick of the A/H1N1 flu after returning from the United States.
His mother, 49, developed the flu symptoms as she and her husband returned from the U.S. on May 25. The husband was earlier confirmed to have been infected with the flu.
His parents have already recovered from the disease, the health authority said, without revealing any details about the latest patient's condition.
In addition, the source said the country's eighth case of the A/H1N1 flu is a 20-year-old woman, whose flu symptoms had started from May 30 while she was in the United States. The woman arrived in Thailand on Monday and was admitted to hospital on Tuesday.
The Philippine health authorities said seven more patients were tested positive for influenza A/H1N1 on Thursday, bringing the total number of the country's confirmed cases to 29.
One of the newly-confirmed cases is a 20-year-old male overseas student at the De La Salle University, who is a contact of the first case confirmed at the school on Wednesday.
The other six cases are Filipinos who all returned from trips to the United States, Health Secretary Francisco Duque told reporters.
Duque said in all of the 29 confirmed cases, patients manifested only with mild symptoms reflecting the general trend and behavior of the virus in other affected countries.
"With further characterization of the virus in our local cases, if we see that A/H1N1 poses no severe threat and is self-limited in most cases, we may be seeing a shift in our control strategy to outpatient and home management of patients showing only mild symptoms," he said.
Since May 1, the Philippine Department of Health has monitored a total of 414 cases under observation. Besides the 29 positive cases, 47 are pending laboratory results, and 338 others are negative for the virus.
In Australia, the number of A/H1N1 flu cases surged to 876 by Thursday afternoon, according to local media reports on Thursday.
The Victoria state alone had a total of 752, according to the state's health department, with the next closest state being New South Wales with 74 as of Thursday afternoon.
Victoria is now placed in the same category as Mexico, Panama and Japan.
There are no travel restrictions within Australia so far or for people arriving at or departing the country, according to the federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon.
The neighboring New Zealand also reported another flu infection case, which took the country's total confirmed number to 11.
The person arrived in New Zealand on May 30 on Air NZ flight NZ5, although the confirmed case was notified only Wednesday.
Sixty-three people were in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu, up from 54 since Wednesday.
Although New Zealand's confirmed Influenza A/H1N1 cases had been capped at 11, health authorities believed that an increase was inevitable, particularly given the soaring number of cases in Australia.
Malaysia also reported three new cases of A/H1N1 flu on Thursday, bringing the tally to five, said Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai.
The latest flu patients were two German tourists, who arrived at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal near here on AirAsia flight AK702Wednesday afternoon.
The two patients, aged 30 and 32, arrived in Singapore on Monday for their holiday in Asian countries. They were confirmed with the disease Thursday afternoon after having developed fever in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
Earlier Thursday, Malaysia reported the third A/H1N1 flu case --a student, who returned from the United States on Malaysian Airlines flight MH091 on Monday.
The Malaysian health authorities are tracing the 276 passengers and crew members on the same flights with the three patients.
Malaysia announced the first A/H1N1 flu case in the country on May 15 and the second on May 16. Both were students who returned home from the United States.
Singapore has confirmed its 12th case of Influenza A/ H1N1, the country's Health Ministry said on Thursday.
The patient is an 18-year-old Singaporean man. He went to Melbourne on May 16 and returned to Singapore on Emirates EK405 on Monday.
The Health Ministry said the contact tracing is ongoing for the latest case. The ministry also advised the public to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas, including Melbourne and Victoria in Australia, Kobe and Osaka in Japan, Chile, the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In China's Hong Kong, three people were tested positive for theA/H1N1 virus on Thursday, taking the number of confirmed cases in the populous city to 30, according to information from local health authorities. But no further report is available at the stage.
Vietnam on Thursday confirmed the country's fourth infection case in Ho Chi Minh City. The Health Department said a six-year-old Vietnamese girl recently returning home from the United Stateshas been confirmed to be infected with the flu virus, according to local media report.
The girl is receiving treatment now. All of the four infected patients in the country have recently returned from the United States.
After treatment, the first three cases are now tested negative to the virus and may be discharged from hospital next week, said the report.
Although this news is some days late, it seems that there are more and more swine flu cases keep coming up.
- wong chee tat :)
Aunt of H1N1 patient becomes 15th case
Aunt of H1N1 patient becomes 15th case
By Desmond Wong, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Health (MOH )has confirmed another H1N1 case, bringing the total to 15 cases so far. The latest case is a 39-year-old Indonesian woman who is the aunt of an earlier case.
She went to Changi Airport to fetch her niece who returned from New York via Frankfurt on Monday. When the niece developed symptoms on Tuesday, the aunt brought her to Raffles Hospital by taxi.
The aunt had been on home quarantine and was given medication, but laboratory results confirmed on Saturday that she has been infected with the H1N1 virus. She has mild symptoms and is in stable condition.
Three of her family members have already been placed on Home Quarantine Order (HQO).
The Health Ministry said although the 15th case was started on chemoprophylaxis when she was served the home quarantine order, it should be noted that she could already have been infected through close contact with her niece prior to taking the medicine.
While chemoprophylaxis can significantly reduce the risk of infection, it does not completely eliminate it.
As such, MOH reiterates its advice to avoid non-essential travel affected areas such as Melbourne and the State of Victoria in Australia, Kobe and Osaka in Japan and Chile, USA, Canada and Mexico.
For those returning from the affected areas, they should seek medical attention promptly and call 993 for an ambulance if they become unwell within seven days of their return.
They should avoid taking public transport or taxi to minimise exposure.
MOH said to date, six patients have been discharged and nine are still in hospital. The 12th patient involved an 18-year-old Singaporean man who took the MRT in the morning of June 3 to see his GP.
MOH said its risk assessment showed that there is limited exposure to the public as it was only a two-minute train ride from Serangoon to Kovan.
The Health Ministry said Singaporeans need not be unduly alarmed as the virus remains mild and all patients are stable. However, the ministry added that this is an example that should not be followed by others.
MOH said that contact tracing for the 13th and 14th cases have been completed.
The 13th case involved a 23-year-old Singaporean man who travelled to Melbourne from May 27 to June 3. MOH has identified 44 close contacts on the flight.
It managed to contact 18 out of the 19 passengers with entry records into Singapore. They comprise 11 Singaporeans and seven foreigners, and they have been placed under HQOs. Their period of quarantine ends on June 11. One foreigner is uncontactable.
MOH has alerted the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority to inform the ministry if he should turn up at Singapore's checkpoints.
The ministry has also informed WHO and its IHR counterparts of the 25 passengers who are out of Singapore.
For the 14th case that involved a 22-year-old Singapore Airlines air-stewardess, MOH said it did not conduct contact tracing of flight passengers on SQ25 flight travelling from New York to Frankfurt on the basis that the confirmed case is unlikely to have been infectious while onboard the plane.
She had developed symptoms more than 24 hours after disembarkation. Her quarantine period is from June 5 to June 11.
MOH has identified four close local contacts and they have been placed under HQOs. Her quarantine period is from June 5 to June 11.
- CNA/vm
So in here, there are 15 such cases!!! Will there be more such cases?
- wong chee tat :)
By Desmond Wong, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Health (MOH )has confirmed another H1N1 case, bringing the total to 15 cases so far. The latest case is a 39-year-old Indonesian woman who is the aunt of an earlier case.
She went to Changi Airport to fetch her niece who returned from New York via Frankfurt on Monday. When the niece developed symptoms on Tuesday, the aunt brought her to Raffles Hospital by taxi.
The aunt had been on home quarantine and was given medication, but laboratory results confirmed on Saturday that she has been infected with the H1N1 virus. She has mild symptoms and is in stable condition.
Three of her family members have already been placed on Home Quarantine Order (HQO).
The Health Ministry said although the 15th case was started on chemoprophylaxis when she was served the home quarantine order, it should be noted that she could already have been infected through close contact with her niece prior to taking the medicine.
While chemoprophylaxis can significantly reduce the risk of infection, it does not completely eliminate it.
As such, MOH reiterates its advice to avoid non-essential travel affected areas such as Melbourne and the State of Victoria in Australia, Kobe and Osaka in Japan and Chile, USA, Canada and Mexico.
For those returning from the affected areas, they should seek medical attention promptly and call 993 for an ambulance if they become unwell within seven days of their return.
They should avoid taking public transport or taxi to minimise exposure.
MOH said to date, six patients have been discharged and nine are still in hospital. The 12th patient involved an 18-year-old Singaporean man who took the MRT in the morning of June 3 to see his GP.
MOH said its risk assessment showed that there is limited exposure to the public as it was only a two-minute train ride from Serangoon to Kovan.
The Health Ministry said Singaporeans need not be unduly alarmed as the virus remains mild and all patients are stable. However, the ministry added that this is an example that should not be followed by others.
MOH said that contact tracing for the 13th and 14th cases have been completed.
The 13th case involved a 23-year-old Singaporean man who travelled to Melbourne from May 27 to June 3. MOH has identified 44 close contacts on the flight.
It managed to contact 18 out of the 19 passengers with entry records into Singapore. They comprise 11 Singaporeans and seven foreigners, and they have been placed under HQOs. Their period of quarantine ends on June 11. One foreigner is uncontactable.
MOH has alerted the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority to inform the ministry if he should turn up at Singapore's checkpoints.
The ministry has also informed WHO and its IHR counterparts of the 25 passengers who are out of Singapore.
For the 14th case that involved a 22-year-old Singapore Airlines air-stewardess, MOH said it did not conduct contact tracing of flight passengers on SQ25 flight travelling from New York to Frankfurt on the basis that the confirmed case is unlikely to have been infectious while onboard the plane.
She had developed symptoms more than 24 hours after disembarkation. Her quarantine period is from June 5 to June 11.
MOH has identified four close local contacts and they have been placed under HQOs. Her quarantine period is from June 5 to June 11.
- CNA/vm
So in here, there are 15 such cases!!! Will there be more such cases?
- wong chee tat :)
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