SINGAPORE, January 19, 2024 – Authorities are investigating 147 suspected cases of gastroenteritis among pupils at North View Primary School (NVPS) in Yishun, raising fresh concerns about illness outbreaks in schools.
School investigates Gastroenteritis Cases; One Pupil Hospitalized
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An outbreak of gastroenteritis has affected nearly 150 students at a Singapore primary school, prompting a joint investigation by school officials and health agencies.
- 147 students from North View Primary School are suspected of having gastroenteritis.
- One pupil was briefly hospitalized but has as been discharged in stable condition.
- The school is collaborating with the Singapore Food Agency and Communicable diseases Agency to determine the source of the outbreak.
- This incident follows a similar outbreak earlier in January at River Valley Primary School.
What causes gastroenteritis? This common illness, characterized by symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, can spread through contaminated food or water, direct contact with an infected person, or contact with contaminated surfaces.
Investigation Underway at North View Primary
The cases at NVPS began appearing on January 13, with the majority of affected students recovering by January 18, according to a joint statement from the school, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA). One student required hospitalization on January 17 but was discharged the following day, reportedly in stable condition.
School officials have been in contact with affected students and their parents, and are continuing to monitor the well-being of the student body. NVPS is working closely with the SFA and CDA to investigate the incident and pinpoint the cause.
The school has implemented precautionary measures, including enhanced cleaning and sanitization of classrooms and common areas, and a reduction in large school gatherings.students have also been reminded to practice good personal hygiene and to stay home if they are feeling unwell.
Central Kitchen model Not a Factor at North View
NVPS is not one of the 13 schools in Singapore that recently adopted a central kitchen model in January. This is relevant as an earlier outbreak occured at River Valley Primary School, which *does* utilize a central kitchen system.
Earlier this month, 60 pupils at River Valley Primary School reported symptoms of gastroenteritis after lunch on January 14, with symptoms appearing the following day. That school is also working with the SFA and CDA to investigate the source of the outbreak.
The investigation at River Valley Primary School is ongoing,and authorities are working to determine if there is any connection between the two outbreaks.
