Update on food poisoning incident in Geylang Serai Market (8 April)

08 Apr 2009

1. There are no new admissions to hospital of food poisoning cases linked to the "Rojak Geylang Serai" food stall at Geylang Serai Market today. To date, the total number of notified cases to MOH stands at 146, with  48 cases hospitalised. Many have been discharged, with 11 of them still recovering in the hospital.  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. A 59-year old lady who was admitted to AH on 4 April unfortunately passed away this morning.

2.  Laboratory investigation has confirmed that 12 of the cases were positive for Vibrio parahaemolyticus, including the first death. 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.  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.