Authorities investigate as 24 pre-schoolers, two staff members sickened at PCF Sparkletots in Mountbatten
Sherlyn Sim for The Straits Times
The authorities are investigating after 24 children and two staff at a pre-school in Mountbatten reported developing gastroenteritis symptoms since Aug 23.
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of one's stomach and intestines brought on by a virus or bacteria. Symptoms include abdominal pain and vomiting.
None of the affected children and staff at the PCF Sparkletots pre-school at Mountbatten Block 92 were hospitalised, said the Communicable Diseases Agency, Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) in a joint statement on Aug 27.
The authorities added that the affected pupils and staff have since recovered and returned to the pre-school on Aug 26.
The pre-school said it is aware of the incident.
"The health and safety of our children remain our utmost priority, and we are investigating the matter while exercising caution," said a spokesperson for the school.
ECDA said it is monitoring the situation and working with the pre-school operator to ensure the well-being of the children.
It also reminded the pre-school to ensure compliance with the relevant infection prevention and control guidelines.
SFA said it works with ECDA to reinforce food safety practices within pre-schools, adding that while regulators can lay down and enforce safety measures, the onus is also on food operators to adhere to them.
"SFA will not hesitate to take enforcement action against errant food operators," the joint statement read.
In 2019, there was a gastroenteritis outbreak at 13 PCF Sparkletots pre-schools and P.L.A.N Student Care Centre, with 259 cases reported. The incident was traced to food prepared by Kate's Catering, whose hygiene rating was downgraded to a "C".
