MOH aware of severe pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China; doctors to look out for suspected cases
Those who have recently returned from or are travelling to Wuhan are advised to monitor their health closely and seek medical attention promptly if feeling unwell.
SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has advised those who are travelling to Wuhan, China to monitor their health closely and seek medical attention promptly if they feel unwell, following reports of severe pneumonia cases in the city.
It has also advised medical practitioners to look out for suspected cases of pneumonia from those who have recently travelled to the area.
Temperature screening measures will be put up at Changi Airport from Friday (Jan 3) evening for inbound flights arriving from Wuhan and suspected cases will be referred to hospitals for further assessment, MOH said in a statement on Thursday.
Suspected cases, such as those who have symptoms of a fever and acute respiratory illness, or those with pneumonia and with a travel history to Wuhan within 14 days before the onset of symptoms, will be isolated as a precautionary measure to prevent transmission.
As of Thursday, MOH has not been notified of any suspected cases.
It advises travellers to adopt the following precautions at all times:
Avoid contact with live animals including poultry and birds, and consumption of raw and undercooked meat.
Avoid close contact with people who are unwell or showing symptoms of illness.
Observe good personal hygiene.
Practise frequent hand-washing with soap.
Wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms such as a cough or runny nose.
Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of the soiled tissue paper immediately.
