SINGAPORE - An independent committee investigating a spate of Hepatitis C infections at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) has advised that more patients be screened for the virus.
In a statement on Wednesday,it said patients admitted to Wards 64A and 67 from July to September should also be tested to make sure that precautionary measures have been effective.
This means that around 350 more patients will undergo screening.
Prior to this, the hospital had recalled only those who had stayed in these wards between January and June. It had discovered the infecion cluster in mid-May. So far, 25 patients have been found to be infected with the liver virus from the same source.
The committee, which was appointed by the Health Ministry, has met 10 times since it was convened earlier this month.
Last week, two international experts were invited to the committee to provide advice on the analyses, interpretation and reporting of the findings.
In a separate statement, SGH said that it will start contacting all patients admitted to the affected wards between July and September.
Those who think they might be affected should call 6321 3356, leave a message via SMS to 8799 2736, or email check@sgh.com.sg. They should provide their name and NRIC number.
