55 other new H1N1 cases were identified on Monday. -- ST PHOTO
AN ELDERLY man here on Monday became the first H1N1 patient whose illness was serious enough for him to be placed in intensive care.
The 63-year-old also has coronary heart disease, hypertension and other conditions.
On Sunday, he had gone to Tan Tock Seng Hospital's emergency department after three days of flu-like symptoms.
He was immediately admitted and isolated. When he tested positive for the H1N1 virus, he was put on the antiviral drug Tamiflu.
He is still ill and is being monitored, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said.
It added that 55 other new H1N1 cases were identified on Monday.
Among these was a 40-year-old Indonesian from the Asian Youth Games' (AYG) Indonesia contingent who developed flu-like symptoms on Thursday and was treated by the team's doctor.
He sought medical attention at the AYG medical centre on Sunday; laboratory diagnosis confirmed that he had H1N1.
He is the first non-footballer to come down with the virus at the AYG. He is said to be stable.
Two of his close contacts, who are currently well, will be issued Home Quarantine Orders.
Read the full report in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times.
