3 more S'poreans tested

THREE more Singaporeans are being tested for the H1N1 virus, said the Ministry of Health in a statement sent late on Friday.

Of the 25 cases investigated thus far, 21 cases tested negative for Influenza A, three tested positive for the usual circulating seasonal strains of Influenza A, and one is pending laboratory investigations.

There are no confirmed cases of infection in the country as yet, said MOH.

On Thursday, Singapore raised its Disease Outbreak Response System Alert status to orange.

The government will issue a home quarantine order (HQO) to those with a travel history to Mexico over the past seven days.

Those affected will be required to be quarantined for seven days when they enter Singapore.

In the interim, the MOH will conduct phone notification and surveillance for those who have arrived from Mexico in the past seven days.

Members of the public who are returning from other areas with evidence of community transmission of the H1N1 virus (New York, California, Kansas and Texas in the United States, and the state of Nova Scotia in Canada) are advised to stay at home for seven days upon return and check themselves for symptoms of flu-like illness.

They are also advised to avoid public spaces.

MOH advises the public to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water, especially after contact with respiratory secretions.

Those who are unwell with respiratory illness should stay at home and wear a surgical mask if possible.

MOH is monitoring the situation closely and will update the public should there be any new developments.

For more information on Influenza A (H1N1-2009), visit MOH's website at www.moh.gov.sg or call the MOH hotline at 1800-333 9999.

Source : http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_371195.html