95 New Confirmed Cases of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) Posted: 2 July 2009
Singapore has confirmed 95 new cases (784th - 878th case) of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) today, bringing the total tally to 878 confirmed cases. Investigations are on-going for these 95 new cases. Of the 97 cases investigated yesterday, there were 49 local cases and 48 imported cases. To date, 329 patients have been discharged and the rest are recuperating.
Pandemic Preparedness Clinics (PPCs) are now geared up and H1N1 Ready
With the increase in local cases, we are taking a more targetted and risk-stratified approach in our management of the disease so that hospitals can focus on care for those who are more ill. Though H1N1 is infectious, the majority of the H1N1 cases here have been mild. Many patients have in fact fully recovered from the disease which is self-limiting in nature.
In this transition stage from containment to mitigation, we encourage members of the public with flu-like symptoms (eg fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose) to see their nearest PPC or polyclinics. At the PPC, doctors will assess the patient's condition, and based on the severity of the illness and other risk factors, PPCs may refer patients to hospitals for further management. This will alleviate the burden on 993 ambulances and enable the patients with more severe illness to receive prompt medical attention at the hospitals.
To date, there are more than 500 PPCs. The doctors have been trained on infection control measures and stocked with PPEs and Tamilflu from the national stockpile. Doctors will exercise their clinical judgment in prescribing anti-virals on a case by case basis taking into account patient's medical condition, risk of developing influenza related complications, prevalence of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) in the community and after weighing the risks and benefits of treatment. Patients at PPCs and polyclinics will not be required to take swabs for laboratory testing of H1N1 as such testing is not necessary before commencement of treatment. Laboratory testing to confirm H1N1 is also not available in PPCs and polyclinics. Patients with mild symptoms may not require Tamiflu.
For more information on PPCs, please refer to the
FAQs.
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