Risk of Hantavirus Transmission into Singapore via International Travel

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health in view of recent news reports of a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship (a) whether the Ministry has assessed the risk of transmission into Singapore via international travel, particularly through cruise ships and commercial airlines; and (b) whether additional surveillance or vector control protocols are being considered for incoming travellers and the local population.

The hantavirus outbreak has already subsided. Due to the co-operation of various country jurisdictions, the infected patients and potentially exposed passengers and crew disembarked from the cruise ship, were transferred safely via chartered flight to their destinations, and quarantined. The coordinated global response has successfully contained further spread.