The Health Ministry has identified salmonella in stool samples from victims who consumed fried bihun and fried eggs during a school program on Sunday, June 9, in Gombak, Selangor.

According to the New Straits Times, the Selangor Health Department reported that some stool samples are still pending results after being sent to the National Public Health Laboratory in Sungai Buloh.

"Results are still pending for other samples, including food from the incident, swabs from related surface areas, and equipment where food was prepared, as well as clinical samples from the food handlers," the department told the English daily.

The total number of people hospitalized for food poisoning following the event has increased from 82 to 93.

"Five have been admitted to the hospital, while three others are still awaiting review at the Emergency Department as of 10 am today (June 12)," the department announced.

A two-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy died after consuming food served at the event.

Preliminary investigations revealed no evident practices contributing to contamination, as the food handlers had been vaccinated for typhoid.

"In preparing the fried eggs, the food handler cracks them open into a bowl before frying. All eggs were washed before use.

"The food preparation involved frying the eggs and packing the cooked vermicelli, all done simultaneously by the same food handler.

"The food handlers have been vaccinated for typhoid. Thus, no obvious practices were noted to contribute to contamination," the department explained.

It was reported that the eggs and vermicelli were purchased just one day before the school program on June 7. The free-range eggs were fried with the vermicelli during cooking and also served sunny side up (telur mata kerbau).

What is salmonella?

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that salmonella is a genus of bacteria that can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.

Most types of salmonella cause an illness called salmonellosis, with symptoms typically beginning six hours to six days after infection and lasting four to seven days.

However, some individuals may not develop symptoms for several weeks after infection, while others may experience symptoms for several weeks.

Severe cases may result in death, with the US recording approximately 420 deaths per year due to salmonella infection.

The bacteria, which live in the intestines of people and animals, can infect humans through various sources, such as consuming contaminated food or water and coming into contact with infected animals, their feces, or their environment.

The New Straits Times reported that eating undercooked poultry, meat, and eggs, as well as raw fruits and vegetables, unpasteurized milk, and other dairy products, can also cause salmonellosis.