SINGAPORE: Authorities are investigating incidents of gastroenteritis at two welfare homes within Pelangi Village after 59 residents fell ill with symptoms, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a joint statement on Wednesday (May 22).
As of 12pm on Monday, there were 22 cases from Angsana Home and 37 cases from Banyan Home. All those affected had an onset of gastroenteritis symptoms between May 14 and May 18.
AdvertisementEleven people were taken to hospital and three have since been discharged. The remaining people are in a stable condition, the authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
"Those affected consumed food from the homes’ in-house kitchen, which has been instructed to cease operations while the investigation is ongoing," MOH and SFA said.
Situated at Buangkok, Pelangi Village is a hub with six welfare homes, including Angsana Home and Banyan Home, which are run by the Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society and the Chee Hoon Kog Moral Promotion Society respectively.
[h=3]READ: Food poisoning: Can you really avoid it?[/h] AdvertisementAdvertisement[h=3]READ: Stiffer fines among tougher penalties introduced for food poisoning cases: NEA, AVA[/h]Gastroenteritis, which causes diarrhoea or vomiting, can be caused by viruses, bacteria or bacterial toxins, according to SFA and MOH.
A person can develop the illness by eating contaminated food and drinks, touching contaminated surfaces and putting unwashed hands in their mouth or through direct contact with infected people.
"It is important for affected persons to rehydrate by drinking plenty of fluids and to seek medical attention if necessary," the authorities said.
"The food supply chain is extensive and food can be contaminated at any point in time."
Let's block ads! (Why?)
More...