Water-borne virus outbreak in Perak under control, says Liow

KUALA LUMPUR - A water-borne virus outbreak in two Perak districts is now under control with no new deaths being reported, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.

The rotavirus, which also causes vomitting, fever and dehydration, had caused two infant deaths and some 2,200 acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases in the Batang Padang and Hilir Perak districts over the last two weeks.

The majority of those affected were children with a high density of cases reported in areas close to the water plant that supplies both districts, he said.

"The AGE is due to the rotavirus. Initial investigations show that the water was polluted by the virus. Clinical samples taken were positive for the rotavirus.

"We are identifying the source of the virus and whether it is from the distribution channels.

"A special team from the Institute of Medical Research and the Ministry is investigating the incident. They are also taking water samples from several locations," he said after launching the Gombak health carnival here.

It was reported that half of the patients were children aged 12 and below and were from Bidor, Hutan Melintang, Teluk Intan, Chenderong Balai, Langkap and Tapah.

According to the Centre for Disease Control, the rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhea and dehydration among infants and young children worldwide. Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

The virus can spread by contaminated hands, objects such as toys, food and water, it said.