IPOH: A total of 101 pupils from SK Chepor here were treated for food poisoning after consuming fried chicken and chocolate drinks at the school canteen yesterday.
Perak Health Department director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha said that they were alerted to the incident via the e-notification system at 8am yesterday, after five pupils exhibited symptoms of food poisoning, including diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and fever.
"All the pupils received treatment at two healthcare facilities around Ipoh. This prompted the Infectious Disease Control Unit of the Kinta District Health Office to conduct verification and field investigations at the school on the same day at 10.30am.
"As a result of the active case detection investigation, a total of 96 additional cases were identified by 5pm yesterday, bringing the total number of cases to 101, involving 50 female pupils and 51 male pupils," he said in a statement today.
He said that all 101 cases showed symptoms of vomiting, 84 cases had diarrhea, 68 cases experienced stomach pain, and 24 cases had fever symptoms.
"The earliest onset of symptoms was on Tuesday at noon, while the latest onset occurred yesterday at 8 am. One pupil was admitted to the children's ward at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun here for treatment and is in stable condition.
"A total of 62 other pupils received outpatient treatment at nearby health clinics and private clinics close to their homes.
"The remaining students only experienced mild symptoms and have been resting at home. All cases are reported to be in stable condition," he said.
He added that initial investigations found that the food suspected to be the cause of the food poisoning outbreak includes a chocolate-flavoured drink and fried chicken prepared in the school canteen's kitchen.
"The students reported that the chocolate-flavoured drink sold at the canteen on Tuesday had a 'sour' smell when consumed.
"They also complained that the fried chicken was not fully cooked, with some pieces still raw. The suspected agent causing the poisoning is Salmonella spp, based on the symptoms and incubation period of the cases," he said.
Following this, the Kinta District Health Office has issued an order to close the school canteen for 14 days under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983.
"Additionally, a fine has been imposed for the violation of regulations regarding wearing accessories while handling food," he said.