23 confined at Iloilo hospital due to food poisoning

ILOILO CITY – At least 23 people who held a cooperative group meeting at the Iloilo Provincial Hospital (IPH) located in Pototan town on Friday, were admitted into the same hospital for suspected food poisoning.

The group of doctors, nurses, administrative staff workers and members of their families came back a few hours after their meeting when they complained of severe stomach pains and diarrhea.

The IPH located in Pototan town is located about 30 kilometers away from Iloilo City and is managed by the Iloilo Provincial Government.

Dr. Carmelo Villarojo, head of IPH medicine department, said the victims – 13 adults and 10 children — suffered the symptoms of food poisoning hours after consuming spaghetti, fried chicken and chocolate cake that were served during their meeting.

Five of the patients tested positive for amoebiasis, said IPH director, Dr. Prem Parcon.

“We are looking into the possibility of salmonella or coliform infection. We had food samples taken and sent to the Department of Health Region 6 for testing,” Parcon.

Parcon said that 22 of the victims remained confined at the IPH, as of Tuesday, and have been set for discharge on Wednesday.

One of the employees who asked not to be named said he shared his snacks with his daughter, who later complained of stomach pains, dizziness and vomiting. SFM