|
|
|
The Ministry had reported on 16
Oct 2004 a cluster of eight local cholera cases comprising two males and six
females aged 20-84 years. An additional case has since been notified to the
Ministry.
|
|
The case is a 89-year-old Malay
male who had diarrhoea on 4 Oct but initially self-medicated. He was
subsequently admitted to NUH on 9 Oct. He had concurrent medical conditions
and was found to be in acute renal failure. He collapsed and died on 13 Oct
2004. Stool culture of the deceased showed Vibrio cholerae.
|
|
Of the eight cases reported
earlier, five are well and have been discharged. The other three are still in
hospital: two at SGH and one at CDC.
|
|
Thus far, all the cases had onset
of illness between 3 and 10 Oct 2004 (pl. see Annex
A for epidemic curve).
|
|
Cholera is an acute disease caused
by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium, Vibrio cholerae.
|
|
Only rarely is cholera spread by
person to person contact. Symptoms include acute painless watery diarrhoea and
vomiting, which can result in dehydration if not properly treated. Because the
bacterium is found in the aquatic environment, common vehicles of transmission
include fish and shellfish.
|
|
Investigations to trace the source
of infection are currently in progress. To date, a total of 201 food handlers
and 39 home contacts have been referred to CDC for medical screening.
|
|
Food and environmental samples
from the food outlets were sent for laboratory analysis. NEA has conducted
checks on the hawker centres as a precautionary measure, and they have found
all the premises to adhere to proper personal and food hygiene standards.
|
|
Ministry's Advice
|
|
The public is strongly advised to:
|
|
· Eat only foods that have
been thoroughly cooked
|
|
· Avoid consuming
undercooked seafood eg raw fish, shellfish or squids
|
|
· Maintain proper personal
and food hygiene at all times
|
|
· See a doctor promptly if
you have symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting.
|
|
More.....
|
|
Source: Ministry
of Health Press Release 18 Oct 2004
|
Update on cholera cases in Singapore
