Measles Cases Confirmed in Singapore, Linked to Hyderabad Transit

Singapore has confirmed two imported cases of measles in individuals who recently transited through the city-state after traveling from Hyderabad, India. Health officials state these cases are not linked to any local measles outbreaks.

Details of the Cases

The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) reported that the two infected individuals, from the same household, flew from Hyderabad and had a two-hour transit in Singapore before continuing their journey to Auckland. According to Associate Professor Lim Poh Lian, group director of the CDA’s communicable diseases programmes, the individuals were already infected with measles prior to their transit in Singapore.

“Based on the onset date of symptoms, they had been infected prior to their transit in Singapore, and are not linked to any other known measles cases in Singapore,” said Assoc Prof Lim Singapore Airlines.

Investigations revealed that the individuals remained within the transit area at Changi Airport throughout their time in Singapore. This is separate from a previous incident earlier in February involving another Singapore Airlines passenger who transited through Singapore en route to Los Angeles after traveling from Cambodia.

Airline Response and Precautions

Singapore Airlines (SIA) stated it is “working closely with the relevant authorities on this matter” and is unable to disclose specific details due to customer confidentiality. The airline is closely monitoring the situation and adhering to all safety regulations.

SIA advises unwell passengers to postpone their travel plans and ensures that any unwell passengers receive medical attention upon arrival. Flights from Hyderabad to Singapore are continuing as scheduled.

Public Health Recommendations

The CDA emphasizes that the most effective precaution against measles is full vaccination. They similarly advise travelers to practice good personal hygiene, including frequent handwashing, and to avoid close contact with individuals who are unwell.

Individuals experiencing symptoms such as rash, fever, cough, red or watery eyes, and a runny nose are urged to wear a mask, seek medical attention promptly, and inform their doctor of their travel history and any potential exposure to measles cases.