255 patients screened negative for hepatitis C: SGH

SINGAPORE — A total of 255 Singapore General Hospital (SGH) patients who were screened for hepatitis C have tested negative, the hospital said in an update today (Oct 12) on the unprecedented viral outbreak.

This is out of 325 patients who had been screened as of 6pm today. Results of the remaining 70 are pending, while 207 patients have been informed of their results. “A further 289 patients have also confirmed their appointments for screening,” the hospital said. 

A total of 253 out of 319 staff have also been screened, and more have stepped forward for the test.

The outbreak has infected 22 patients, with the first case being detected on April 17. Of the eight who died, four are linked to the virus infection, while a fifth is under review. Last week, SGH revealed that 678 patients who could have been exposed to the outbreak have been contacted to go for screenings. These 678 patients had been at the affected ward from January to June this year. 

Results of the tests are available after a week. The hepatitis C virus has an incubation period of between two weeks and six months.

Today, SGH also said its doctors and medical social workers have held 12 family conferences with the 14 affected patients and their families, as well as the next-of-kin of the eight patients who died. Another nine such conferences are expected to be held.