MERS-CoV -Health Advisory (June 2015)

Health Advisory (June 2015)

          The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend the application of any travel or trade restriction to areas affected by MERS-CoV. However, to reduce the risk of exposure to MERS-CoV, we advise Singaporeans and other residents travelling to affected areas to maintain their vigilance and adopt the following health precautions when overseas:

·         Observe good personal hygiene at all times;

·         Practise frequent hand washing (e.g. before handling food or eating, after going to toilet, or when hands are soiled);

·         You may consider wearing a surgical mask in crowded places and avoid close contact with persons suffering from acute respiratory infections (e.g. someone who is coughing);

·         Avoid contact with camels and other live farm or wild animals, including not visiting camel farms. If contact has been made, thoroughly wash hands with soap.

·         Adopt good food safety and hygiene practices and avoid consuming unpasteurised milk, undercooked meats, raw fruits and vegetables (unless they have been peeled), or unsafe water.

·         Avoid visiting healthcare institutions in the Middle East and South Korea, unless it is necessary to do so.

 

2           On their return from a MERS-CoV affected area, Singaporeans and other residents should monitor their health closely for two weeks. Singaporeans and other residents need not self-quarantine themselves upon their return if they have no symptoms of illness. However, they should wear a surgical mask and seek medical attention promptly if they become unwell with fever and cough and if they had recent travel history (within two weeks) to any areas reporting human cases of MERS-CoV. They should inform the doctor of the areas that they had travelled to. Truthful declaration of travel history is important. They may also be isolated for observation and further investigations, which may take up to 48 hours.

3           As the situation is evolving, MOH will provide updates should there be any further measures implemented according to our public health risk assessments. Singaporeans and other residents should refer to this MOH webpage on MERS-CoV for the latest health advisory.