PETALING JAYA: There is a need for greater awareness of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) as some cases may involve typhoid, which would make patients carriers for up to a year, say medical experts.
With the coming fasting month and its related bazaars and buka puasa (breaking fast) buffets, they said it was imperative that the public – from food handlers to consumers – know about the severity of AGE and typhoid to ensure they seek the right treatment on time.
Although there has been no increase in typhoid cases nationwide, experts said awareness would play a big role in keeping outbreaks to a minimum.
General practitioner Dr Zafrina Burukan said Malaysians tend to take AGE symptoms lightly and usually would not want to do further checks.
“Should AGE cases turn out to be typhoid, the symptoms could worsen if the patient has underlying conditions.
“Those who are taking the typhoid vaccine do so because of city council requirements to acquire trading licences. The understanding of why they are taking the jabs is low,” said Dr Zafrina.
Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria, poses a severe threat to health. It typically spreads through contaminated food or water, and once ingested, the bacteria multiply and infiltrate the bloodstream.
While some individuals recover from typhoid fever, they may become carriers, harbouring the bacteria and shedding it in their faeces.
To mitigate the risk of transmission, city councils nationwide have implemented regulations mandating typhoid vaccination for food handlers.
For instance, the Petaling Jaya City Council, under its Food Handlers Bylaw 1979, requires food handlers to receive typhoid vaccination every three years.
According to an MBPJ spokesperson, all food outlet owners and workers must provide a typhoid vaccine certificate issued by a government health facility to obtain trading permits.
Meanwhile, public health expert Prof Dr Sanjay Rampal of Universiti Malaya said food and shop hygiene should influence purchasing behaviour.
“We should not buy food if the shops or their kitchens appear dirty.
“When buying from street vendors, we should pay attention to how cleanly the sellers prepare and keep the food.
“Handwashing plays a very important role in preventing food poisoning. Avoid or leave places where there is no soap or water to wash your hands. The risk of food poisoning increases when food handlers don’t practise safe hand hygiene.
“There is no need for food delivery drivers and riders to get the jab as they do not handle food per se, but those involved in the informal food economy should strongly consider vaccination.
“Food poisoning is associated with how food is prepared, stored, delivered, and consumed. The risk of food poisoning is reduced if all the stages are done in a clean and hygienic manner,” said Prof Sanjay.
The Health Ministry said that there has been no increase in typhoid cases but advised the public to choose where they eat out.
