SARS Coronavirus Infection in Singapore Patient

Update

Results of laboratory testing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have provided additional evidence that a 27-year-old patient in Singapore was infected with SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). CDC tested serum, respiratory, and stool specimens from the Singapore patient, who was suspected of having SARS. Test results obtained by CDC were consistent with laboratory findings previously reported by Singapore health officials. Taken together, these results indicate that the patient was infected with SARS-CoV.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the infection in the 27-year-old man, a medical researcher who had worked in two different laboratories in Singapore, is now considered a WHO laboratory-confirmed case of SARS-CoV infection. The patient has not traveled to other previously SARS-affected areas or had contact with SARS patients. He remains well, and no illness has been reported among his contacts.

At the invitation of the Singapore Ministry of Health, two CDC scientists have joined an international team of experts to assist local officials with a review of biosafety practices and laboratory facilities in Singapore and to conduct an epidemiologic review.

For additional information, visit the Web sites of the World Health Organization or the Singapore Ministry of Health.