300 recruits were hit by gastric flu on Pulau Tekong - 02Oct2013

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• published: 02 Oct 2013
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SINGAPORE: Some 300 National Service recruits were hit by an ailment commonly known as gastric flu last week. Singapore's Defence Ministry said that the cases occurred at Pulau Tekong, where recruits undergo basic military training after being enlisted. A spokesman for the Singapore Health Ministry explained that gastric flu is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a virus called Norovirus, resulting in vomiting, diarrhoea or cramps. The viruses that cause the inflammation are spread in several ways, including eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated, touching surfaces or objects that are contaminated, and then placing their hand in their mouth, or having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms. MINDEF said the incident happened at the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) on Pulau Tekong. The recruits experienced gastrointestinal problems last week over a period of seven days. They reported symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting. MINDEF's investigations show the likely cause to be Norovirus. It said most of the affected soldiers recovered after one to two days. Doctors said the virus is spread through what is known as faecal contamination. Dr Thiow Boon Yin, a family doctor, explained: "For example, if someone has this illness and if they are vomiting and having diarrhoea and they do not wash their hands clean, sometimes some of the faecal matter may be present in their hands and it may contaminate some of the surfaces they are in their daily homes or workplace. If surfaces have got those viruses, they may remain there for a few days. So someone else who touches these surfaces may then contaminate themselves with the virus. "If someone has the Norovirus and they are not aware of it and if they happen to go into the water, it is possible that... some of this virus from their body (will) contaminate the water. If another person goes into the water and if the person happens to drink the water (that is) the contaminated with the virus, then it is possible they would present with the illness within 12 to 48 hours." Dr Rahul Goswami, Consultant Emergency Physician at Changi General Hospital, added: "The most probable cause of a virus outbreak such as Norovirus is transmission via hand-to-hand droplet or aerosol spreading. General precautionary measures include limiting person-to-person spread via proper hygiene and good hand-washing practices, isolating patients, cleaning surfaces, and of course, determining the source of the outbreak. Aerosol spreading refers to infection transmitted from one individual to another through sneezing or coughing." Responding to queries from Channel NewsAsia, Changi General Hospital said 37 recruits sought treatment at its Accident & Emergency department on September 29 and all of them were treated and subsequently discharged. None had been admitted to hospital. Following the incident, MINDEF said the cookhouse premises and food handlers at BMTC were tested and determined not to be the source of the Norovirus infection. Food and water at the BMTC also tested negative. As a precautionary measure, the common areas have been cleaned and disinfected, while training at the swimming pool has been put on hold temporarily. Commanders have emphasised to all recruits and staff at BMTC the importance of maintaining personal hygiene. www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/300-recruits-affected-by/833420.html?cid=FBSG