The purpose of this press release in to inform the public that there is a cluster of diarrhoeal disease cases in Pusa District, Betong since early March 2017. As of 26th March 2017, a total of 40 cases have been reported, of whom majority of them are young children. The main signs and symptoms are frequent diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. Stool samples from five cases were sent for laboratory analysis, and four out of five samples were positive for Rotavirus. One death which could be associated with the diarrhoeal disease incidence has been reported.
Preliminary investigation suggested that the source of these diarrhoeal cases was the contaminated common water source. The Sarawak State Health Department and other relevant local agencies have taken steps to control and prevent further transmission including continuous monitoring and surveillance of quality of water supplied from the nearby water treatment plant, flushing of the main water pipeline, actively looking for cases in the community and giving health education to the local community.
Rotavirus is a common cause of diarrhoeal disease among infants and young children. The incubation period is short, usually less than 48 hours. Water diarrhoea, vomiting and fever are the most common presenting signs and symptoms. The diarrhoea generally resolves between 3 and 7 days. However, Rotavirus infection in infants and young children can become severe which leads to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, and eventually death if it is not treated early.
Rotavirus is commonly transmitted by faecal-oral via contaminated food and drinks dirty surfaces or objects and poor personal hygiene.
In view of the possible common water source contamination, Sarawak State Health Department would like to advise the local people in Pusa District to use only boiled water for everyday activities such as food preparation, hand washing after using the toilet, bathing and washing kitchen and eating utensils. It is important to maintain high standards of personal and environmental hygiene to prevent from contracting the infection.
We would like to urge the public in the affected area to seek earliest medical attention if they have signs and symptoms of watery diarrhoea, vomiting and fever.
