Update on food poisoning incident in Geylang Serai Market

07 Apr 2009

1. To date, a total of 137 cases have been notified to MOH.37 cases were hospitalised, while 100 received outpatient treatment at various Emergency Departments and clinics. These cases developed onset of illness between 2nd and 4th Apr 2009. The main symptoms experienced by cases were severe abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The 59-year-old lady is still critically ill in hospital.

2. Preliminary laboratory investigation showed that two of the cases were positive for Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a bacteria that causes watery diarrhoea and abdominal cramps in nearly all cases, usually with nausea, vomitting, fever and headache. Typically, it is a disease of moderate severity lasting 1 - 7 days. Systemic infection and death rarely occur. The incubation period is usually between 12 - 24 hours, but can range from 4 to 96 hours. The bacteria is part of the normal flora of the marine environment and is a common cause of food poisoning associated with consumption of raw or partially cooked seafood.  Nonetheless, as investigations are ongoing, it could not be currently established that the pathogen is the causative agent in this outbreak.

3.  NEA's continued surveillance of the stalls in the temporary market has shown that their hygiene standards have been satisfactory.  NEA officers have also briefed all the 82 cooked foodstallholders to remind them to practise good food and personal hygiene standards at all times.

4. Members of the public are advised to discard any unconsumed food items purchased from 'Rojak Geylang Serai' stall. Food poisoning is generally not contagious but faecal-oral transmission can occur with poor personal hygiene. Anyone who has patronised the stall and is experiencing symptoms of food poisoning should seek immediate medical attention. If there are any queries, they can contact MOH at 1800-2254122.

5. For more information on Vibrio parahaemolyticus please visit the US CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/vibriop_gi.html

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY