Singapore health officials report investigating a surge of patients with gastroenteritis in the Owen Road area. As of 23 May 2016, more than 180 cases have been reported.  Stool samples collected from cases tested positive for Rotavirus

Image/CDC
Image/CDC

The National Environment Agency (NEA) closed Pek Kio Market and Food Centre through Friday for cleaning and sanitization.

On 19 May 2016, the Ministry of Health (MOH) was alerted by a general practitioner at Owen Road that the clinic had seen an unusual increase in the number of cases of gastroenteritis since 16 May. Further investigations found that other clinics in the area had experienced a similar increase.

In all, more than 180 cases had sought medical treatment for symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain in the past week. The cases typically recovered within a few days. There were seven patients who are warded at Tan Tock Seng Hospital for observation. All of them are recovering well.

Rotavirus gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a virus called rotavirus, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain.

A rotavirus infection usually starts within two days of exposure to the virus. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and abdominal cramps. Additional symptoms may include loss of appetite and dehydration.

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