Update on food poisoning incident in Geylang Serai Market (10 April)

10 Apr 2009

1. There were no new admissions today to hospitals of food poisoning cases linked to the "Rojak Geylang Serai" food stall at Geylang Serai Market. The total number of notified cases to MOH remains the same as yesterday at 154, with 48 cases hospitalised. One patient has been discharged, with 5 patients still recovering in the hospitals. Their conditions are stable. All notified cases had reported their onset of illness in the period from 1st to 4th April. It appears that the transmission had ceased following the immediate closure of the food stall on 4 April.

2.  Investigations point to this incident as a common source outbreak of V. parahaemolyticus food poisoning traced to the consumption of rojak from the "Rojak Geylang Serai" food stall, most likely due to cross-contamination of rojak and raw seafood ingredients harbouring the bacteria.

3.  Laboratory results of 3 food handlers, including a food handler from the mee siam stall, are still pending.

4.  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. Food poisoning is generally not contagious but faecal-oral transmission can occur with poor personal hygiene. However members of the public who have patronized the stall and is experiencing symptoms of food poisoning should seek immediate medical attention.

5. For health related queries, members of the public can contact MOH at 1800-2254122. For feedback on any hygiene lapses, the public may contact NEA at their 24-hr hotline 1800-2255 632.