Dr Jamilah Hashim
KUCHING: The state Health Department has confirmed two cases of Hepatitis A at Kampung Asajaya Laut, Samarahan.
State health director Dr Jamilah Hashim said both patients received outpatient treatment at private hospitals.
“Following the two cases, a circular has been issued by the Samarahan Division Health Office to all clinics in Samarahan Division to conduct a thorough examination of any case with clinical signs of suspected Hepatitis A disease coming from Kota Samarahan, particularly Kampung Asajaya Laut,” she said in a statement confirming the authenticity of a circular dated Feb 17, which has gone viral on social media.
Dr Jamilah explained that Hepatitis A is a food-borne and water-borne disease.
“Clinical signs of most patients have unspecified symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, tiredness, diarrhoea, fever, dark-coloured urine and jaundice.
“The disease is spread primarily through food or water contaminated by stool containing the Hepatitis A virus,” she said.
Dr Jamilah said the department has actively carried out case detection since Feb 15 including closely monitoring reports from both public and private clinics and hospitals.
“Apart from that, the department has also conducted a water quality test in the area and found it compliant with the standards set by the Ministry of Health,” she said.
She added that the department will also increase its health education activities as well as Hepatitis A prevention measures among the local community, particularly on the importance of personal hygiene, proper food and beverage hygiene, and a clean environment.
She said the department and other agencies would also continue to monitor water quality at treatment plants.
“However, the public are advised to cook their water even if the water supply at home is filtered,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Local Government and Housing Public Health head Dr Cheong Yaw Liang said improved sanitation, food safety, and immunisation serve as the most effective ways to combat Hepatitis A.
“I encourage everyone to practise good personal hygiene and also eat food that is cooked well, as the Hepatitis A virus dies in high temperature,” he advised.