He said the food handlers had received treatment and were prohibited from handling food until further notice.

Six students, from Forms 1 to 5, contracted the disease and are in stable condition following treatment, he said in a statement. They reportedly suffered a fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and had no appetite.

“Two of the students have been discharged from hospital,” he said, adding that 35 suspected cases had been referred to the nearest healthcare facility for investigation and treatment.

Zaini said all the students and teachers at the school would be screened by the Kota Bharu health office.

He advised anyone suffering from prolonged fever, headache, weakness, diarrhoea or constipation to seek treatment at the nearest healthcare facility.