Singapore: Three cases of 2019-nCoV confirmed January 24 /update 3

Event

On Friday, January 24, Singaporean authorities confirmed two additional cases of a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which originated in Wuhan (Hubei province, China) in December 2019, bringing the number of confirmed cases to three. The three cases where individuals who had recently traveled to Wuhan. At least 28 others suspected cases, two of which are people who have not traveled to China have been reported in Singapore.

As of Thursday, January 23, the Singapore Health Ministry has expanded temperature screenings for all passengers arriving from China to all land and sea entry points, in order to prevent further spread of the virus.

Further spread of the illness is possible over the near term, particularly during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.

Context

As of January 24, cases of the virus have been confirmed in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the US, and suspected cases have been reported in Australia. The Wuhan coronavirus has killed 26 people and infected 882 others across China.

Fever screening measures are being implemented at airports throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America, Australia, Canada, the Middle East, and the US.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Individuals who plan to travel to or have recently returned from China, particularly Hubei province, are advised to monitor the situation and anticipate additional security checks at the airport. Individuals are advised to take precautionary measures to reduce their risk of contracting the virus:

•Avoid all contact with animals (dead or alive); avoid eating animal products that are undercooked; avoid all markets where animals are sold

• Avoid all close contact with people displaying symptoms of the disease (e.g. difficulties breathing)

• Frequently wash hands, wear a face mask

• Individuals within China developing symptoms of pneumonia are advised to seek medical attention, avoid contact with other people, and wash hands regularly

• Adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments

•Travelers returning from China developing symptoms of pneumonia are advised to call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to avoid spread of the disease.