New Singapore Coronavirus Case Has No Link to China or Previous Cases
Posted on February 6, 2020
Singapore has confirmed two new cases of the novel coronavirus. The new cases include a case with no travel history China and no link to previous cases. This is concerning because it means the virus is spreading in the local community.
The Straits Times reports that the case is a 41-year-old male who was admitted to Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital on Monday after developing a fever. The man was later transferred to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) where he is now in an isolation room.
The Singapore Ministry of Health is quoted as saying, "We must be prepared for the possibility of new infection clusters involving locals within the community, not linked with recent travel to China or contact with recent PRC travelers."
It also revealed today that the conditions of two other coronavirus patients (previously reported) have worsened. The MOH says, "One is now in critical condition in the intensive care unit, and another requires additional oxygen support."
Outbreaks of the coronavirus is countries outside China will obviously make it much more difficult to control. Contract tracing will be critical but even extreme quarantine efforts may not succeed with a virus that spreads easily and has no cure.