86 people infected with Rotavirus at Ulu Legong Recreation Centre: Health D-G

PETALING JAYA: Eighty-six people were infected with the Rotavirus after visiting the Ulu Legong Hot Spring Recreation Centre in Baling, Kedah.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said since Feb 11, there were no new cases reported with the last two patients discharged.
However, the health authorities will continue to monitor the case.
Noor Hisham said the investigations by Health Ministry officials at the recreation centre found no leakage in its wastewater management system and the level of cleanliness was satisfactory.
"Based on clean-up activities at the Ulu Legong Hot Spring Recreation Centre pool and its history following the outbreak, the possibility of the pool water being contaminated would have occurred between Jan 29 and Jan 30," he said.
He pointed out that the source of contamination may have occurred due to visitors that failed to maintain good personal hygiene.
"The pool involved was cleaned in the morning of Jan 31 while the recreation centre was open to visitors on Feb 6, "he said.
He said that following the incident, the Health Ministry has recommended the Baling District Council which manages the recreation centre to take follow-up action including washing the pool and making sure that the water flows without restrictions.
"This includes putting signs of ban on disposable diaper of children in a swimming pool as well as limiting the number of visitors during peak hours to avoid the risk of infection.
"People are advised to comply with the rules, especially by not entering the pool if they have symptoms of diarrhoea," he added.
Health officials ordered the centre closed on Feb 3 after Kulim Hospital reported that six children from two families had contracted the virus after visiting the centre on Jan 30.
Rotavirus infection would lead to acute gastroenteritis which affects the stomach and intestines.
The virus tends to attack children aged five and below as they are particularly susceptible to the infection.
Reported symptoms include diarrhoea and serious vomiting which could lead to severe dehydration and death should victims fail to seek immediate medical attention.