(AP file photo)



A surge of gastroenteritis cases in the Owen Road area has prompted authorities to close the Pek Kio Market and Food Centre for disinfection as a precautionary measure.

More than 180 cases were reported as of 23 May, said a joint statement released by the Ministry of Health (MOH), National Environmental Agency (NEA), Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) and PUB.

NEA has closed the market and food centre for cleaning and disinfection from 25 to 26 May, and it will re-open on 27 May.

A general practitioner at Owen Road first alerted MOH on 19 May after the GP’s clinic saw an unusual increase in gastroenteritis cases since 16 May.

Other clinics in the area also reported a similar increase.

Patients had symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain. Many of them lived in or visited the Owen Road area and went to the market there. Stool samples collected from cases tested positive for Rotavirus, also known as gastric flu.

The four agencies began investigations on 19 May, and collected food and environmental samples from food outlets in the Owen Road area.

No specific food stall has been identified as the source of the gastroenteritis cases.