Singapore closely monitoring H7N9 situation after first case in Malaysia

Singapore is closely monitoring latest developments of avian influenza A/H7N9 in the city-state after Malaysia’s health ministry reported its first imported human case in Kota Kinabalu.

According to a statement on Thursday, the health risk in Singapore remains low as “the characteristics of H7N9 in human infections have not changed”.

There is currently no evidence of “sustained human-to-human transmission” of the virus, said Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH). 

“Our hospitals remain vigilant to test for H7N9 and other avian influenza where clinically indicated, such as in patients with serious respiratory illness and a compatible travel history,” they said.

Health advisories have been placed at border checkpoints for incoming and outgoing travelers between Singapore and the affected areas.

MOH advised Singaporeans travelling to affected areas to maintain vigilance and follow the necessary measures, such as avoiding contact with poultry as well as adopting good food safety and hygiene practices.

More information on the health advisory can be found on the MOH’s website.

The H7N9 infection gets transmitted to humans via direct exposure to live or dead poultry or birds. It can only be transmitted indirectly if the environment is contaminated by such animals that are infected.  
 
On Tuesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported seven additional lab-confirmed cases of avian influenza A/H7N9 in China. The cases include one death.

The total number of cases of avian influenza A/H7N9 in China has gone up to 324 as of Wednesday since the first notification that took place at the end of March 2013.