16 Sars Patients Discharged: Ministry of Health Press Release, 27 March 2003

Singapore Government Press Release, Media Relations Division, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, MITA Building, 140 Hill Street, 2nd Storey, Singapore 179369

Tel: 6837-9666

16 SARS PATIENTS DISCHARGED

As at 27 March 03, a total of 16 SARS patients have been discharged from hospital. The number of SARS patients reported to MOH is 78. The 4 additional patients consist of one family member and 3 hospital staff.

This brings the total number of family members, friends or close contacts infected by SARS to 38, and the total number of hospital staff affected by SARS to 37. Two patients have passed away. Among the 60 patients who are still hospitalised, all are in in stable condition, except for 11 patients who are in serious conditions.

Low Risk to General Public

The Ministry would like to reiterate that SARS is not infectious until the person develops fever. Transmission of SARS is only through close contact with infected persons, and all SARS cases in Singapore so far could be traced back to the three index cases. There is no evidence to date that the disease spreads through casual contact.

SARS patients have been isolated for treatment at TTSH/ CDC, while those who had close contact with them have been quarantined under the Infectious Disease Act. The risk of transmission to the general public is therefore very low so Singaporeans should stay calm and continue with their daily routine.

Heed Ministry’s travel advisory

The Ministry of Health advises the public to heed our travel advisory and to avoid travel to Hong Kong, Hanoi and Guangdong province in China for the time being, unless absolutely necessary. This would help us greatly in our efforts to cut off any imported index cases.

What to look out for

The Ministry of Health would like to reiterate that you should seek immediate medical attention if you have:

Fever (more than 38 degree celsius) and respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulty;

AND

have travelled to Hong Kong, Hanoi or Guangdong province in China, within 2 weeks of onset of the symptoms; or

are a close contact of persons diagnosed with SARS. (Close contact means having cared for, having lived with, or having had direct contact with respiratory secretions and body fluids of a person with SARS)

Ministry of Health

27 March 2003

MOH Hotline for queries : 1800-2254122

Website : www.moh.gov.sg