Outbreak of diarrhoea, vomiting hits 300 recruits in Tekong

SINGAPORE — In what appears to be a mystery gastrointestinal outbreak on Pulau Tekong — believed to be one of the biggest here in recent times — about 300 recruits suffered bouts of diarrhoea and vomiting over seven days last week.

The source or sources of the outbreak — attributed to the Norovirus — remain unknown, with the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) saying that, after negative test results, it had ruled out cookhouse premises and food handlers, as well as the food and water at the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) as the culprits.

In a statement yesterday, MINDEF said: “Investigations showed the likely cause to be due to Norovirus, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, but runs a self-limiting course. Most of the affected soldiers recovered after one to two days.”

A Norovirus infection can be transmitted through contaminated food, or from one person to another.

Precautionary measures have been put in place, including cleaning and disinfecting common areas. Training in swimming pools has also been put on hold, although MINDEF did not say if that is one potential source, or what other sources it is looking at.

“Commanders have also stressed the importance of maintaining personal hygiene to all recruits and staff at BMTC. The Singapore Armed Forces will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary measures to ensure the well-being and health of our soldiers,” MINDEF said.

Investigations on the source of the outbreak are continuing.

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Health would only say that it had been informed of the incident at Pulau Tekong.

In response to TODAY’s queries, MINDEF could not confirm if the outbreak was restricted to only one school, out of the four that make up the training centre.

Recruits TODAY spoke to said Orion company in BMTC School 2 had the most number of soldiers affected.

Other recruits also said they are being made to adopt more hygienic practices than usual, such as washing their hands at the cookhouse before eating.

One said the cookhouse was closed for two days, and during that time, they ate food from another cookhouse in takeaway boxes delivered directly to the company.

He added: “Last week, when the outbreak started, I spotted people vomiting at the drains. It was really bad, but it has died down now.” He said one room was dedicated to people with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

The recruits declined to be named as they are not allowed to speak to the media.

Food poisoning cases are on the rise in Singapore. According to an MOH study, such cases increased from 1,539 in 2009 to 2,116 in 2011.

One of the largest outbreaks recently took place at Intercontinental Hotel, where more than 200 people fell ill after dining at Man Fu Yuan restaurant.