7/7/2016

Number of cases of Group B Streptococcus infections down | Ministry of Health

Number of cases of Group B

Streptococcus infections down
News H ighlights
The Ministry of H ealth (MOH ) would like to provide an update on Group
B Streptococcus (GBS) infections.
2. A downtrend in the number of GBS cases was seen from mid-July
2015, since licensed foodshop and foodstall holders were advised by
NEA to stop the sales of raw sh dishes using Song sh (also known as
Asian Bighead Carp) and Toman sh (also known as Snakehead sh).
While investigations by MOH , AVA and NEA are ongoing, the number of
cases noti ed to MOH has decreased to an average of three cases per
week in the last three weeks, similar to the baseline level before the
outbreak of about three per week. This compares with an average of 20
cases per week seen since the beginning of 2015.
3. AVA has investigated along the entire food supply chain of these sh.
Tests have so far not detected the same strain of GBS that has been
detected in humans. Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, NEAs
advisory to licensed foodshop and foodstall holders to withhold the
sales of raw sh dishes using Song and Toman sh continues to be in
place. Further investigations are being conducted by MOH , AVA and
NEA.
4. As a general precaution, vulnerable groups of people, especially
young children, pregnant women, elderly persons, or people with
chronic illness such as diabetes, should continue to exercise caution by
avoiding raw ready-to-eat food.
Background
5. GBS is a common bacterium found in the human gut and urinary tract
of about 15% to 30% of adults without causing disease. H owever, GBS
may occasionally cause infections of the skin, joints, heart and brain.
The risk factors for GBS infection include underlying chronic or comorbid conditions, such as diabetes. Most GBS infections are treatable
with antibiotics.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
23 AUGUST 2015

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7/7/2016

Number of cases of Group B Streptococcus infections down | Ministry of Health

Last updated on 24 Aug 2015

https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/pressRoom/pressRoomItemRelease/2015/number-of-cases-of-group-b-streptococcus-infections-down.html

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