COMMUNITY SPREAD OF H1N1 FLU GATHERS MOMENTUM IN SINGAPORE

By Zakaria Abdul Wahab

SINGAPORE, June 23 (Bernama) -- Singapore has confirmed another 26 new cases
of Influenza A (H1N1) as of June 22, comprising 17 local cases and nine cases
with travel history.

This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Singapore to 168.

In a statement Tuesday, the Health Ministry said it appeared that community
spread had gathered momentum with more cases from local transmission were
reported.

The ministry said it was gearing up local polyclinics and a few hundred
general practitioners to treat suspected cases, and these clinics would help to
manage patients with influenza-like illness as the government moved from
containment into mitigation mode.

The 17 new local cases involved those who attended a church function, an
entertainment club and a religious camp.

The nine patients had travelled to Australia, the Philippines, United
Kingdom, the United States and Canada.

-- BERNAMA