RESIDENTS in Pill claim they have been "left in the dark" about the investigation into the typhoid outbreak which has left four children in hospital.

The fourth confirmed case of the disease was announced on Friday evening, after another child was diagnosed as having the disease.

The latest victim, along with the other three youngsters aged 11, 13 and 17, is being treated at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, and is expected to make a full recovery. But Pill residents are becoming frustrated with what one described as a "veil of secrecy" surrounding the investigation into the outbreak, which is being led by Newport council.

Pill resident Jan Preece said: "It would not have taken much to carry out a leaflet drop to the 2,000 homes down here. How much would that have cost?

"There is definitely a feeling down here that we are being kept in the dark, and there seems to be a veil of secrecy.

"A leaflet drop would not cost the council much - they seem to find money for everything else.

"We need to get this under control. With a fourth case being confirmed it is obviously more serious than we thought and has not been isolated yet."

Another concerned local, Dean Phillips, added: "There's a definite lack of information coming through from the council and we are concerned because something should be done. We are being kept in the dark."

Meanwhile, the public health investigation into the outbreak continued over the weekend. The latest confirmed case is being linked with the other three victims, Newport council confirmed.

And Sam's Kebab Shop, in Commercial Road, remains voluntarily closed as health experts continue investigations into a possible link with the typhoid outbreak. GPs have been informed as to the signs and symptoms to look for.

A council spokeswoman said: "If any members of the public are concerned, then they should phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647, or contact their local GP.

"Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection transmitted via food or water from urine or faeces of infected people.

"Symptoms include a sustained fever lasting several days, and spreading of the infection can be avoided by good personal hygiene - using soap and water to wash your hands after going to the toilet, for example."