Terengganu Health Department denies rise in rotavirus cases at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu Health Department has denied claims of an increase in rotavirus cases at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital.

Its director, Datuk Dr Kasemani Embong, said checks by the Kuala Terengganu District Health Office found only two cases, both involving children, reported on July 7 and 13.

The patients were in stable condition and allowed to go home after receiving relevant treatment, she said in a statement on Monday (July 15).

The statement was issued in response to a post on Facebook on July 13, claiming an increase in rotavirus cases at HSNZ.

Dr Kasemani explained that rotavirus is a type of virus that causes infection of the digestive system and can be transmitted through contaminated food, direct contact with infected individuals, and contaminated equipment or toys.

She said the symptoms could be mild among adults but may cause fever, diarrhoea, and vomiting in children.

"Therefore, the public is advised to always wash their hands after using the toilet, changing their children's diapers, and when preparing food," she said.