PETALING JAYA: The cholera case detected in Selangor's Petaling district last month has been identified as a 56-year-old woman.

       Selangor Health director Datuk Dr Sha'ari Ngadiman (pic) said a food operator as well as close contacts of the Malaysian woman have all been screened.

       "Samples have also been taken from the surrounding area. Until now, no additional cholera cases have been detected," said Dr Sha'ari in a statement Monday (Nov 15).

       Dr Sha'ari said the cholera case involving the woman was reported on Oct 21.

       He said the woman developed severe diarrhea and went to a private health facility to seek treatment.

       The woman was given outpatient treatment and her stool samples were tested.

       "The results showed the presence of the Vibrio Cholerae, serogroup O1, serotype Ogawa bacteria," Dr Sha'ari said, adding that the woman has since made a full recovery.

       He said further investigation could not determine the source of the infection and that there have been no further cases detected since.

       Dr Sha'ari said cholera can spread quickly and cause death if not treated immediately.

       "As such, everyone should always only drink treated or boiled water, always practice personal hygiene and get immediate treatment if they develop symptoms," he said.