IPOH: A total of 142 cases of acute gastroenteritis (AGE, inflammation of the stomach and intestines) were detected in Perak on Sunday, bringing the total to 2,686 since the outbreak was reported in the state late last month.

Of them, 94 cases were reported in Lower Perak and 48 more in Batang Padang, said state Health, Local Government, Consumer Affairs, Environment, Transport and Non-Muslim Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.

This brings the total to 1,730 cases in Lower Perak and 956 in Batang Padang, he said.

Two infants, aged two and 10 months, have died in Hilir Perak and Batang Padang, due to dehydration after allegedly being infected by a water-borne virus known as rotavirus which causes AGE.

Meanwhile, Mentri Besar Perak Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir has directed health agencies and departments to ascertain the cause of death of the two infants and monitor the outbreak.

"However, the cause of the deaths of the infants is under investigation. As a precautionary measure, water must be boiled before drinking," he told reporters after launching the 1malaysia Franchise Tour in Lumut here Sunday.

The majority of those affected were children, with a high density of cases reported in areas close a water source that was said to have been polluted by the virus.

Clinical samples taken were positive for the rotavirus that can spread by contaminated hands, objects such as toys, food and water. - Bernama

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