The Manila Health Department (MHD) on Thursday said it is investigating the alleged food poisoning incident that led to the death of one resident and the hospitalization of 15 other persons.
In a statement, the MHD said food samples were sent for laboratory analysis in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), and Philippine National Police (PNP).
“We are currently conducting an investigation of the said incident and we assure the public that we will continue monitoring the affected community and assist if additional cases will be identified,” the statement read.
“In behalf of the Manila Health Department and City of Manila, we emphasize for those affected in the tragic incident that happened yesterday at Gagalangin, Tondo. To the life that was lost because of this unfortunate event, we’re deeply sorry for the sudden grief it has cost your family,” it said.
On July 20, at around 2:30 pm, Manila received a report of 11 alleged food poisoning cases from the DOH regional office, the MHD reported. They sought consult at the Tondo Medical Center for treatment and management. A team was sent to determine the nature of the incident and to collect samples for laboratory analysis.
Upon interview of patients by MHD medical personnel, at around 10:00 a.m., of July 20, the victims ate chicken mami in a makeshift table along the sidewalk located at 392 Gapan St., Earnshaw, Gagalangin, Barangay 172, Tondo. Three hours after, they experienced common signs and symptoms of dizziness, headache, vomiting, cyanosis, and changes
in sensorium.
On July 21, five additional cases were reported. A total of 16 cases, with ages ranging from 2 to 73, were admitted in Tondo Medical Center.
One died, a 43-year-old female. Authorities said the fatality identified as Josefina Manila, a PWD, was rushed to the hospital much later when she was found frothing alone in her room after eating the chicken mami that the rest of the victims had eaten, including the
vendor.
Food samples were sent for laboratory analysis. This is in coordination with the DOH-Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit, RITM, and PNP.
The report said eight of the victims who were taken to the Tondo Medical Center were already in stable condition.