Following the recent hantavirus scare involving two Singaporeans linked to an overseas cruise ship outbreak, Singapore’s healthcare system responded quickly with isolation measures, medical testing, and contact tracing to protect public health.

Although both individuals later tested negative, the incident highlighted Singapore’s strong healthcare preparedness, efficient disease surveillance, and rapid response capabilities in managing potential infectious disease threats while keeping the public risk low.

On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Dr Leong Hoe Nam, an infectious disease specialist at Rophi Clinic, about the hantavirus situation, the risks posed to Singaporeans, and how Singapore’s healthcare system is equipped to respond to emerging infectious diseases.