Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin. (File Pic) NSTP/ Hazira Ahmad Zaidi
Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin. (File Pic) NSTP/ Hazira Ahmad Zaidi

KOTA BARU: Three food handlers were suspected to be the source of typhoid outbreak at a secondary school here recently.

In a statement today, the state health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said the three people have been sent for treatment and were no longer allowed to handle food.

"The three have been sent for treatment immediately after the health officers identified that they were the source for the outbreak.

"They were prohibited from handling food until further notice," he said.

Dr Zaini said as of yesterday, six students ranging from Form One to Form Five from the school were found to have contracted the disease.

"They have experienced symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and colds.They are now in stable condition after receiving the treatment."

Dr Zaini said two of the students have been discharged from hospital while the rest were still warded.

"A total of 35 suspected cases had been referred to the nearest

healthcare facility for investigation and treatment."

Dr Zaini said all students and teachers of the secondary school would undergo screening tests by Kota Baru district health office officers.

"The mass screening tests will run for three days. It began yesterday," he added.