In a distressing turn of events, over 200 individuals have fallen ill in Agusan del Sur, Philippines, raising suspicions that distributed food aid may be the culprit behind the widespread sickness.
Health officials in Agusan del Sur disclosed that 216 people sought medical treatment earlier this week, reporting symptoms such as vomiting and stomach pains.
The incident is being treated as a case of food poisoning, given the shared symptoms exhibited by patients across various medical facilities. Fortunately, the majority of affected individuals have been discharged, with none reported to be in critical condition.
The suspected source of the illness is meals provided by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), an organization actively assisting thousands impacted by flooding and landslides in Mindanao. Local reports indicate that the distributed meals consisted of chicken liver, egg, and rice.
In response to the concerning situation, the PRC has taken decisive action by suspending its hot meals program in the province, pending the outcome of a thorough investigation into the root cause of the incident.
In a statement, the PRC emphasized its unwavering commitment to the well-being of the affected population, pledging full cooperation with authorities and ensuring transparency throughout the investigation process.
It’s important to note that the PRC is just one of several groups engaged in providing hot meals to residents of Agusan del Sur, having served approximately a thousand individuals daily since January.
To ascertain the exact cause of the outbreak, stool samples from patients, as well as samples of the implicated food and drinking water, have been subjected to rigorous testing, with results eagerly awaited.
Despite this setback, the PRC continues its tireless efforts in disaster relief, having distributed water and nearly 24,500 hot meals to flood victims, while also deploying 248 volunteers to provide essential aid and conduct training sessions on hygiene practices.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities and the public remain vigilant, prioritizing the health and safety of all affected individuals amidst this challenging situation.