175 gastroenteritis cases reported to date; joint MOH-NEA-AVA investigations ongoing

JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN MOH, AVA AND NEA

Singapore, 5 December 2018 – The Ministry of Health (MOH), National Environment Agency (NEA) and Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) are investigating gastroenteritis cases linked to four separate events held at the Grand Ballroom at Mandarin Orchard Hotel, between 1 to 3 December 2018. MOH, NEA and AVA were notified of the first of the cases on 4 December 2018 As of 5 December 2018, 175 cases were reported to have developed symptoms of gastroenteritis. Nine of the cases were hospitalised and are currently stable.

2          MOH, NEA and AVA had commenced joint investigations on 4 December, including collecting food and environmental samples for testing. Food handlers were also sent for stool screening.

3          Investigation into the possible causes of the incidents is ongoing. However, in view of the suspected ongoing transmission and all the affected cases had attended events or consumed meals at the Grand Ballroom, NEA has suspended the banquet kitchen serving the Grand Ballroom at Mandarin Orchard Hotel and required it to dispose all ready-to-eat food, thawed food and perishable food items, and conduct thorough cleaning and sanitising of its premises including equipment, utensils, work surfaces and toilets. NEA has also instructed the hotel to close the Grand Ballroom to conduct a thorough clean up and disinfection. The suspension and closure will be in place until NEA is satisfied that the public health risks have been addressed.

4          During the suspension period, Mandarin Orchard Hotel is required to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitisation of the banquet kitchen and the implicated ballroom as follows:

• Cleaning of all utensils (i.e. plates, bowls, cutlery) with food-grade disinfectants; and
• Disinfection of all furniture, including dining tables and chairs, food preparation surfaces, walls and floors.

5          Thus far, there are no cases linked to the other food and beverage premises in Mandarin Orchard Hotel. We have checked those premises and are also working with Mandarin Orchard Hotel to ensure that they review processes for all its other kitchens. The authorities will continue to place the implicated premises under close surveillance. Our officers will be conducting further inspections to ensure that the premises are properly maintained and cleaned, and that the kitchen staff observe proper personal hygiene and food handling practices.

Public Advisory

6          MOH and NEA would like to remind members of the public who have visited the Grand Ballroom at Mandarin Orchard Hotel to monitor their health status closely. They should seek medical attention early if they experience any gastroenteritis symptoms (i.e., diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or abdominal pain). Members of the public should also take the necessary precautions, such as washing or sanitising their hands regularly, and using service utensils when sharing food.

7          For health related queries, members of the public can contact MOH at 1800-2254122. For feedback on any hygiene lapses, the public may contact NEA at the 24-hr hotline 1800-2255 632.

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For more information, please contact us at 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255 632) or submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.