First S’porean Wuhan Virus Case Among 2 New Others, Patient Was On Scoot Flight From China

First Singaporean Wuhan Virus Patient Had A Fever Upon Reaching Changi Airport

As the number of Wuhan virus cases in Singapore rises, residents are holding their breath in anticipation of the next one, or better still, for all this to come to an end.

But things seem to be taking a turn for the worse, with the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirming the first Singaporean case today (31 Jan).

According to a report by The Straits Times (ST), she is one of three new cases that recently emerged.

First Singaporean patient flew home from Wuhan with 91 others

When news first came out that Scoot was flying 92 Singaporeans home from Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, families of these individuals were probably happy.

However, along with this relief came the concern that any one of them may be at risk of carrying the virus.

True enough, a 47-year-old woman on the flight which arrived yesterday (30 Jan) did.

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She reportedly displayed symptoms of illness while on the flight, based on ST’s article.

Upon her arrival at Changi Airport, medical scans detected a fever, and healthcare assistants immediately conveyed her to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID).

Tests for the Wuhan virus infection proved positive at 2pm today (31 Jan).

Other local passengers on the flight still under quarantine

ST reports that the woman is currently in an isolation room at NCID.

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The rest of the 91 on board the same flight remain under quarantine as per protocol, for 13 more days.

Her case, however, isn’t the sole new one. MOH announced two more confirmed cases today, bringing the current total to 16. Their conditions are unknown.

Observe good personal hygiene

While fear about the spread of the virus is understandable, there’s no reason to panic.

The government and healthcare officials’ quick reactions demonstrate that they have the situation relatively under control.

What the rest of us should do is to continue observing good personal hygiene and avoid congregating in crowded places.

Wear a mask if you feel unwell, and stay at home if you have to.

Let’s hope the outbreak will come to an end soon.

Featured image adapted from Travel Daily.