KUALA LUMPUR – Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has urged the public to be vigilant after the Selangor Health Department detected a single case of cholera in the Petaling district recently.
On Twitter, Khairy cautioned the public on the water they consumed so as to prevent any potential infections.
“The public is advised to only drink treated/boiled water, ensure self cleanliness, and not eat raw/uncooked foods,” Khairy said in a Twitter post this evening.
Jabatan Kesihatan Selangor telah mengesan satu kes kolera di daerah Petaling, Selangor. Orang awam dinasihati hanya minum air dirawat/dididihkan, jaga kebersihan kendiri, jangan makan makanan mentah/tidak dimasak sempurna. Maklumat lanjut disusuli.
— Khairy Jamaluddin ??? (@Khairykj) November 14, 2021
Meanwhile, it was learnt that a circular by the state Health Department has been making rounds on social media.
The document, dated November 12, said the case involved a Malaysian citizen.
“In relation to this, it is hoped that all quarters take note, and raise monitoring actions and preventive measures more effectively in accordance with existing guidelines,” the circular read.
The document stated that cholera is an acute enteric disease caused by the Vibrio Cholerae bacteria.
“Early symptoms include diarrhea without pain (painless watery stool), nausea and vomiting, and can lead to dehydration, circulatory collapse, and even death.”
The circular, which was purportedly distributed to medical practitioners, urged them to immediately inform the department of any suspected or lab confirmed cholera cases.
It said failure to report the cases is an offence under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.
The department also advised medical practitioners to collect stool samples of suspected cases.
It also advised the public to seek immediate treatment if they experienced the symptoms. – The Vibes, November 14, 2021
