14 downed by food poisoning

CEBU, Philippines - At least 14 people were admitted to the hospital after showing signs of food poisoning last Monday night during a Christmas Party held at a sports club in uptown Cebu.

The victims, 13 of whom are employees of Henry Lhuillier pawnshop and the other one a 15-year-old boy, were already discharged around 4 p.m. yesterday from Perpetual Soccour Hospital where they were admitted.

Alice Loresta, personnel manager of H. Lhuillier, told The FREEMAN that the 14 victims were discharged yesterday after they got well.

According to Jesus Rey Cavalida, father of the minor, his son complained that he was having stomachache around 15 to 20 minutes later after dinner started past 8 p.m., then he started vomiting.

Cavalida and his son attended the party as his wife is an employee of the pawnshop who was awarded that night for her 25 years in service. The party was attended by over 100 people, mostly employees of the said pawnshops in Cebu province, he said.

He said he then took his son to the hospital where two employees of the pawnshop were already earlier admitted after also manifesting signs of food poisoning like stomachache and vomiting.

More employees of the pawnshop who attended the party came to the hospital after also suffering from stomachache and vomiting.

Cavalida suspected that the victims’ sickness was caused by shellfish served during the party dinner and catered by the said club.

The shellfish already allegedly smelled a bit foul when served.

Dr. Expedito Medallo of the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit said they have already taken the samples from the said food to determine what really caused the victims’ sickness.

Medallo said they have submitted the samples to an agency in Manila, the result will be known after several days.

The RESU, he said, is still waiting for the list of the names of the victims from the hospital.

Loresta said medical assistance was extended to the victims. – Niña G. Sumacot/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)