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Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the comment by the Deputy Health Minister Datuk Sulaiman Mohamed that the immigrants carrying the bacteria did not bring them from their countries. 18 May, 2001.

On 16 May, 2001, the Malaysian Deputy Health Minister insisted that the Selangor Health Department had identified the three people who prepared nasi lemak as the source of the outbreak of cholera in the state. One was local, one Indonesian and one Myanmese immigrants, both of whom were illegal. The total number of people tested positive for cholera was 93, of whom two were discharged.

"They (the three carriers) have been here for some time and, therefore, it is not possible for them to have brought the virus (bacteria) from their countries. The virus has spread due to the unhygenic way of preparing food," he said.

He was responding to media report that the source of the bacteria had not been found. There were 237 cholera patients.

THE SOURCE

Although we have to prevent spreading baseless news that causes panic, we have a duty to let the people know the true picture. If an epidemic occurs such as the cholera outbreak, we have to isolate the people involved to look for the source of the bacteria. Then, we use preventive measures to stop the spread.

Now, we do not know where the three carriers got the disease. As they do not bring them from Indonesia or Myanma, from where did they bring the bacteria? So far, the ministry has not declared Klang an endemic area for cholera, that is, certain people either carry the bacteria or have the disease.

ACUTE INFECTION

Cholera is endemic in India and some Asean countries. But, it is not endemic in Malaysia. At any rate, the Government stresses that it is efficient in preventing infectious diseases so much so that it does not need a Centre for Disease Control. Has it an equivalent of CDC?

The bacteria, Cholera vibrio, attack small intestines, releasing toxins (poisons) that cause the gut to lose water and salts. Severe diarrhoea, vomitting and muscle cramps show the seriousness of the condition. Hitherto, one patient had died.

The disease spreads through faeces, polluting foods and water. Unhygenic handling of foods and water cause the infection. The incubation period is between a few hours to six days.

CLOSE EATERIES

Selangor Health Department has examined 196 eateries and closed 133 of them. It takes samples of foods and water to identify the bug. It directs hospitals to prepare to receive more patients.

We hope that these eateries can reopen soon. Dealing with the source and isolating the contacts are important provided we now the source.

We should not spread false news about the cholera outbreak. On the other hand, the Health Minister has to tell the people the source of Cholera in the outbreak. The people should not be kept in the dark.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw