The trip went ahead after the Ministry of Health had lowered the A(H1N1) alert level from Orange to Yellow and after it emerged that the flu appeared to be mild, said a statement from SMU on Wednesday after one of the students was confirmed to have been infected with the new flu strain on her return to Singapore on Tuesday.

The patient is a 22-year-old third year business management student, who went on the New York trip with 19 other students and the faculty in-charge.

She returned to Singapore early on Tuesday morning 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 Wednesday 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,' said SMU.

The faculty member and the other student are both fine, and they are currently on home quarantine for six days.

SMU further explained that the spread of H1N1 cases in New York then was also contained and localised in the borough of Queens.

'This area was not part of their itinerary, neither did the students intend to visit Queens,' it pointed out.

'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.'

SMU said it has contacted the remaining 18 students on the New York study mission who have extended their stay in North America and alerted them to go for tests and remain vigilant.

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