SINGAPORE : A cluster of eight cholera cases has been identified
in Singapore, comprising two males and six females aged between 20
to 84 years.
According to a press statement from the Health Ministry, the cases
had acute onset of illness between October 3 and 10 and were
admitted to Singapore General Hospital, Changi General Hospital and
Communicable Disease Centre.
Three have been discharged while the other five are
recovering.
Investigations by the Health Ministry revealed that majority of the
cases had patronised hawker stalls and eating establishments in
Bedok.
A total of 115 food handlers and 25 home contacts have been
referred to the CDC for medical screening.
Food samples and environmental samples from the food outlets have
also been sent for laboratory analysis.
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.
The Health Ministry is currently working closely with the National
Environment Agency.
The implicated establishments have been inspected and found to be
satisfactorily maintained.
Investigations to trace the source of infection are in
progress.
The last cholera outbreak occurred five years ago when eight people
were infected after taking contaminated ice at a wedding reception
in Ho Ching Road. - CNA