In response to Taiwan’s first confirmed H7N9 case, the Ministry of Health (MOH) issued a public statement this morning warning Singaporeans of a possible H7N9 breakout across the domestic landscape. It was also confirmed that the seven locals suspected of bird flu have all tested negative.
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Possible H7N9 threat
With the possible threat of H7N9 hitting Singapore, local hospitals are on alert and prepared to tackle an outbreak should it occur.
It was reported that a 53-yeard-old man working out of the eastern city of Suzhou in China began exhibiting serious symptoms only three days following his return to Taiwan through Shanghai. Admitted for treatment on April 16, his condition shows no signs of improvement.
Be extra vigilant
While the MOH has pledged to continue monitoring the situation for further developments, people travelling to high-risk or H7N9 affected areas, are advised to be extra vigilant and take care when away.
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Bird flu precautionary measures
For families or parents with children and all citizens across Singapore, please be advised that the following precautionary measures are mandatory and for your own good:
- Avoid direct contact with poultry, birds and their droppings
- Cook your poultry and eggs thoroughly before consumption
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to prevent cross-contamination
- Avoid crowded places and contact with sick people; fever patients
- Wear a mask when suffering from respiratory symptoms or unwell
Schools and offices should enforce guidelines
It is highly recommended that these five basic guidelines for proper care also be enforced in schools across the board, considering that these public venues are high-density locations, where a lot of people are present at a given time.
Teachers, care-givers and educators, kindly ensure that these measure are observed to a ‘t’ so that the risk of H7N9 spreading in the country will be significantly reduced. People in highly commercialised zones and areas are advised to follow the same guidelines.