Christmas party “food poisoning” kills 5-yr-old girl, downs 26

BACOLOD CIT, Philippines – A five-year-old girl died and 26 others, including 19 minors, were hospitalized due to alleged food poisoning during a Christmas party at an elementary school in Calatrava town, Negros Occidental last December 16.

Provincial Health Officer Ernell Tumimbang said the victims drank buko juice, which was served during the party of the Grade 2 class of Dolis Elementary School at Barangay Dolis in Calatrava.

The minor-victim died in her house at Barangay Maaslob, two days after the party. She got the buko juice from her sister, who brought it home from the party. What followed was that she had a fever and kept vomiting but the parents did not seek medical help.

Also after two days, the other victims, mostly aged seven to eight-years-old, were rushed to the hospital after they experienced dehydration, stomach pain and high fever. They were also vomiting and defecating, Tumimbang said.

Tumimbang said 20 of the victims were admitted to the Calatrava District Hospital while six others were treated at the San Carlos City Hospital. They were given fluids, electrolytes and antibiotics after laboratory results showed that they suffered from bacterial infection, he said, adding that they continued to feel abdominal pain.

A report from the Calatrava Municipal Health Office showed that the buko juice–containing coconut meat, condensed milk and brown sugar—was prepared at 9 a.m. but was never chilled until it was served during lunch time at the party.

The report also said the preparation of the buko juice was unsanitary, and that the two food handlers who prepared it did not wash their hands. (FREEMAN)