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Connaught Hospital officials provided an update on the incident involving a suspected food poisoning outbreak in the Marbella community.
On the morning of May 18th, 2024, a surge of patients from Marbella arrived at the hospital reporting symptoms consistent with food poisoning. These symptoms included vomiting, weakness, dizziness, malaise, bloody stool (in one case), and seizures (reported in two cases).
A total of 80 patients (48 females, 32 males, including 26 children) were initially admitted and treated. Later, with the assistance of the police, an additional 24 patients who had self-medicated with palm oil and kerosene were brought to the hospital.
Patient Status and Response Efforts
Total Patients: 104 (63 Female, 41 Male, 26 Children)
Critical Cases: 2 patients initially admitted to ICU are now stable and transferred to a step-down unit.
Deaths: None reported.
Majority of patients: Stable after initial treatment and responding positively.
Response Measures
Emergency Response Team: Immediately activated.
Medical Care: The medical team swiftly responded and provided treatment to all patients.
Supplies: Adequate medical supplies and consumables were secured with the support of the Ministry leadership, the National Medical Stores Agency (NMSA), and Doctors Without Borders (MSF)-Holland.
Testing: Blood, urine, and vomit samples were collected for analysis to determine the cause of the outbreak.
Surveillance: Staff from the District Health Management Team (DHMT) and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) are involved in data collection and investigation.
Police Involvement: Law enforcement assisted with crowd control and the investigation into the incident.
Source: The suspected source of the food poisoning is traced to a local cookery shop. The shop owner and their daughters are also reported to be affected.
The situation is currently under control. Connaught Hospital will continue to provide updates as they become available.
