NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – A 5-year-old girl was killed while 26 others, including 19 minors, were hospitalized due to alleged food poisoning in Calatrava town in this province.
Negros Occidental health officer Dr Ernell Tumimbang said that the victims ingested a coconut juice served at the Christmas party of a 2nd grade class in Dolis Elementary School on Wednesday, December 16.
The young victim died in her home at Barangay Maaslob two days after the party. The victim got the buko juice from her sister, who brought it home from the celebration.
She had a fever and kept vomiting, but the parents didn’t seek medical help, said Tumimbang.
The other victims, mostly aged 7 to 8 years old, were rushed to the hospital after experiencing dehydration, stomach pain, and high fever also two days after the event. They were also vomiting and defecating.
According to the health officer, 20 patients were admitted at Calatrava District Hospital while 6 others were treated at San Carlos City Hospital.
The patients were given fluids, electrolytes, and antibiotics after their laboratory results showed that they suffered from a bacterial infection. They are still at the hospital, continuing to feel abdominal pains.
A report from the Calatrava Municipal Health Office showed that the coconut juice, which was made of coconut meat, condensed milk and brown sugar, was prepared at 9 am but was never chilled until it was served at lunch time.
The preparation of the refreshment was also unsanitary. The report noted that the food handlers failed to wash their hands before preparation. – Rappler.com