Dr Zulkifli Jantan
Daniel Ngieng
Dr Annuar Rapaee
Dr Hu Chang Hock
SIBU: Members of the public should not put aside personal hygiene and cleanliness just because there is no outbreak of gastroenteritis in the state.
This reminder was given by the state Health Department yesterday when it said members of the public should remain vigilant and practise a high level of personal hygiene as well as cleanliness, given that the virus which causes the disease can be transmitted through contacts.
“Drink only boiled water and consume well-cooked food. Food handlers at their end must ensure that food preparations are done under strict standard of hygiene and cleanliness,” the department’s state director Dr Zulkifli Jantan said.
“Although there is no outbreak of the disease in Sarawak, people must continue to be vigilant and take necessary measures to keep the disease at bay,” he added.
However, there should be no cause for alarm as gastroenteritis is a common type of disease, he assured when asked on precautionary measures to keep the disease at bay.
According to Bernama, a total of 142 cases of acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines) were detected in Perak last Sunday, taking the total to 2,686 since the
outbreak was reported there last month.
The national news agency further stated that two infants, aged two and 10 months, had died in Hilir Perak and Batang Padang due to dehydration after they were allegedly infected by a water-borne virus known as Rotavirus which causes gastroenteritis.
The source further disclosed that the majority of those infected were children, with a high density of cases reported in areas close to a water source that was said to have been polluted by the virus.
A senior private medical practitioner Dr Hu Chang Hock revealed that the symptoms included vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, dehydration and abdominal pain. As such, Dr Hu advised that kitchens, where food is prepared, be free from harmful pests such as rats, flies and cockroaches which can transmit diseases.
“Gastroenteritis is usually caused by viruses, and Rotavirus is among them. The water-borne disease can also be transmitted through contacts.
“As such, it is most important that we maintain a high level of personal hygiene and cleanliness. Precautionary measures include drinking only boiled water and consuming well-cooked food.
“And where boiled water is not immediately available, mineral water will be the next best option,” he said when sharing tips on how to prevent the disease.
Dr Hu stressed that those involved in food preparation must adhere to a stringent food preparation process, and reminded coffee shop patrons to insist on a cup of hot water to sterilise utensils such as chopsticks, spoons, forks and so on.
“It is most important that immediate medical attention is sought when not feeling well,” he advised. To a question, Dr Hu said if the disease is not treated, a patient can suffer from dehydration and in serious cases organs can be infected. In an epidemic, he said the source can be from food and water.
UK-trained medical specialist Dr Annuar Rapaee advised people, in particular those staying near river banks, to drink only boiled water and consume cooked food.
“As part of a good personal hygiene and cleanliness, people need to wash their hands regularly and after visiting the toilets,” advised Dr Annuar, who is also Nangka assemblyman.
Meanwhile, Sibu Municipal Council deputy chairman Daniel Ngieng said the council imposes a stringent requirement for food handlers in eatery outlets to ensure that hygiene and cleanliness are not compromised.“The council is very concerned of eateries’ hygiene and cleanliness. Our officers carry out regular checks and public members can play their part by giving feedback to us,” Ngieng said.