Pahang health department (JKN) director Dr Rusdi Abd Rahman said on Thursday, the Maran health office (PKD) received a notification regarding a surge in acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases among children who exhibited the symptoms after visiting the recreational park.

“Laboratory test results revealed that the cause of this outbreak is a rotavirus infection, while the results for leptospirosis were negative.

“All the affected children are in stable condition and are receiving treatment at Jengka Hospital, while the woman, who is the mother of one of the children, was treated as an outpatient,” he said in a statement today.

Rusdi explained that the rotavirus cases were likely caused by river water contaminated with waste from used disposable baby diapers.

He advised the management of Che Minah Sayang Recreational Park to conduct a thorough clean-up of the park’s surroundings.

“Pahang JKN advises the public to always adhere to hygiene practices, including the proper disposal of used baby diapers, and to refrain from littering when visiting recreational parks.

“The department will continue to monitor the development of these cases from time to time,” he added.