ALOR STAR: Kedah recorded four new rotavirus infections, bringing the total number of cases since September 28 to 17.
State Health director Datuk Dr Norhizan Ismail said six cases were reported yesterday, involving children aged between a year and nine-years-old, who had visited a water park in Bukit Merah on September 24.
“Of the six, four tested positive for rotavirus, one is awaiting test results, and another has yet to be tested.
“Of the six, three are being treated in a private hospital in Sungai Petani, two in Kulim Hospital and one receiving outpatient treatment in Selama Hospital in Perak.
“This brings the total number of cases to 17. And of the 17, 13 cases have been confirmed positive to be rotavirus, while another three are still awaiting test results,” he said in a statement today.
Dr Norhizan said the 13 patients, who are still being warded at the respective hospitals, were reported to be stable. Another three have been discharged.
According to Dr Norhizan, the rotavirus is a type of virus that infects the bowels and stomach, usually attacking children aged five and below.
Rotavirus symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, fever as well as stomach ache. Those infected by the virus could suffer from acute dehydration resulting in death due to late treatment.
He said the virus could be transmitted from infected people to others by touching or consuming contaminated objects, food and drinks.