31 Youth Campers Treated For Mass Food Poisoning In Pangasinan

At least 31 youth who attended an Archdiocesan Youth Day Camp (AYDC) here were rushed to the municipal health center early Wednesday after complaining of stomach ache, loose vowel movement and vomiting a few hours after taking their dinner on Tuesday.

Dr. Ofelia Rivera, municipal health officer, said some of the victims started to experience stomach ache while the others had loose bowel movement (LBM) and vomiting after partaking food served them during a welcome dinner.

“They were brought to our health center but one of them had to be endorsed to the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) in San Carlos City due to fever”, said Rivera.

A total of 1, 600 campers from all over Pangasinan and even from neighboring provinces are attending the AYDC hosted by the St.Thomas Aquinas Parish Church.

Rivera said the 30 victims were already released and now back to the camp after they were given rehydrating solutions while the one suffering fever remained under the care of the PPH.

She said the municipal health office (MHO) was still investigating which among the food served them in their dinner caused the mass food poisoning.

“Based on our initial investigation, the preparation of the food was okay, that is why, we are looking at the possibility that some of these were spoiled as these were served at 6 p.m. but some of the campers ate between 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., Rivera said.

At the same time, she appealed to the public to make sure the food being serve during activities like camps and even family affairs are not easily spoiled to avoid food poisoning.

“Since the weather is so hot, food is easily spoiled and bacteria easily invade the food ”, said Rivera.

Meanwhile, Rivera also warned of heat exhaustion, noting that five campers were already treated for possible heat stroke.

“We encourage everyone to always rehydrate, wear thin and comfortable clothing and avoid staying under the sun between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.”, said Rivera. (PNA) RMA/LVM/HILDA AUSTRIA/0945/RMA