Food poisoning victims positive for skin bacteria

MANILA, Philippines — People who suffered food poisoning during former first lady Imelda Marcos’ birthday party have tested positive for staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria usually found on the skin.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque said on Tuesday that this was the initial finding of laboratory tests based on rectal swabs taken from 276 people.

After eating the packed meals served at Marcos’ 90th birthday bash in Pasig City on July 3, some of the attendees started vomiting and complaining of dizziness. The VIP guests were served different food.

Duque, who was at the Department of Health’s school-based immunization program in Valenzuela City, said that bacterial growth could have occurred during the preparation of the meals.

The Food and Drug Administration is expected to release the results of tests conducted on the boiled eggs, adobo and rice served to ordinary guests during the party. —Nikka G. Valenzuela