[27 May 2009]
Statement from SMU on the H1N1 case

The affected case is a 3rd year Business Management student at SMU. She was on the New York Business Study Mission (BSM) with 19 other students and the faculty in-charge from 15 – 24 May.

She returned to Singapore early morning on 26 May with the faculty member and another student, and went to see a doctor as she felt unwell during the flight. She informed the university on 27 May when she found out she was tested positive. She is now recovering in hospital and has not been back on campus since returning from New York. The university is in close touch with her.

The faculty member and other student who returned with the student are both fine. They are currently on home quarantine for the next 6 days and will continue to monitor their health and take temperature checks twice daily.

SMU has contacted the remaining 17 students on the New York BSM who have extended their stay in North America and alerted them to go for tests and remain vigilant.

SMU Statement on New York BSM

When the BSM proceeded on the trip, the Ministry of Health had already lowered the alert level from Orange to Yellow and that the flu appeared to be mild
(http://www.moh.gov.sg/mohcorp/pressreleases.aspx?id=21692).

The spread of H1N1 cases in New York then was also contained and localized in the borough of Queens. This area was not part of their itinerary, neither did the students intend to visit Queens.

As added precaution for personal hygiene and responsibility, each student was equipped with N95 masks and a personal thermometer. They all took their temperature daily during their stay in New York. Students in the New York BSM had the option not to go on the trip. Provisions would be made to adjust their grades for the course for those who decided not to embark on the trip.