Food Poisoning Affects 80 Wedding Guests in Maguindanao del Sur

Around 80 individuals who attended a wedding ceremony in Maguindanao del Sur were hospitalized due to alleged food poisoning.

Food poisoning is a condition caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages. It occurs when harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins present in the food or drinks are ingested, leading to illness.

Symptoms of food poisoning can vary depending on the type of contaminant and may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and dehydration. The severity and duration of symptoms can also vary, ranging from mild discomfort to severe illness requiring hospitalization.

Recently, around 80 wedding guests, mostly members of the ethnic Teduray indigenous community, were rushed to hospitals in Maguindanao del Sur after experiencing stomach pains due to consuming coconut chicken stew.

According to Dr. Mohammad Ariff Baguindali, head of the Integrated Provincial Health Office of Maguindanao, rescue teams and health officials immediately responded to individuals believed to be victims of food poisoning in Barangay Pandan, South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur.

The Rural Health Unit Hospital in South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur, and the Datu Blah Sinsuat District Hospital in Upi, Maguindanao del Norte helped to bring the victims to the hospital. 65 individuals were taken to RHU South Upi, while another 15 were transported to Batu Blah Hospital.

South Upi Mayor Reynalbert Insular revealed that, based on the report he received, after consuming the coconut chicken stew served at the wedding, guests suddenly experienced stomach pain and vomiting.

Authorities suspect that the stew may have gone bad due to the hot weather, leading to stomach discomfort for those who ate it.

The incident point out the importance of proper food handling and storage, especially in warm weather conditions, to prevent similar incidents.

In a previous post, 147 individuals in Bukidnon hospitalized due to food poisoning

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