Perak human resources, health, Indian community affairs and national integration committee chairman A Sivanesan said the food was allegedly prepared by the school’s canteen on April 21.

He said the case was first detected when two students showed symptoms on April 22, followed by an official notification to the Hilir Perak health office two days later.

“All affected students, aged between 13 and 18, experienced symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. They received outpatient treatment and are in stable condition.

“Two clinical samples tested positive for norovirus and sapovirus infections.

“The health office is conducting further investigations to determine the exact source of the infections and any contributing factors,” Bernama quoted him as saying after visiting the school today.

Sivanesan said the health office’s inspection of the school canteen’s hygiene found it to be unsatisfactory.

He said a four-day closure order was issued under Section 18(1)(f) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.

“The canteen operator took corrective actions as instructed and was allowed to resume operations after a re-evaluation was conducted,” he said.

Sivanesan said the Perak health department will continue to monitor the situation.