The Ministry of Health said in a Facebook post today that it is jointly investigating the claim about the outbreak of Group B streptococcus (GBS).
It will work with the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Agri-Food& Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) to investigate claims about individuals falling ill or being hospitalized as a result of bacteria found in raw fish and sashimi.
MOH said that the strain is a "common bacterium that colonises the human gut and urinary tract" and does not usually cause disease in healthy individuals.
"There has not previously been any proven link between eating fish, raw or otherwise, and GBS disease. However, in adults, GBS may occasionally cause infections of the skin, joints, heart and brains. The risk factors for GBS infection include underlying chronic or co-morbid conditions."
The stories about the bacteria went viral today via Whatsapp messages on mobile phones and also on social media.
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