By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Connaught Hospital has announced that all survivors of the alleged food poisoning incident in the Mabella Community have been discharged as of Monday, May 20, 2024, with the exception of two patients who remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Remarkably, no deaths have been recorded, thanks to the swift and robust medical intervention by hospital staff and the Ministry of Health.
On the morning of May 18, 2024, the hospital received an influx of 104 patients from Mabella, presenting symptoms indicative of food poisoning, such as vomiting, weakness, dizziness, malaise, bloody stools and seizures. The patients included 63 females, 41 males, and 26 children. Initial treatments were effective and the majority of the patients have responded well, with only two critical cases that have since stabilized and been moved to a step-down unit.
The situation prompted an immediate activation of the hospital’s emergency response team. With support from the Ministry of Health, the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA), and Médecins Sans Frontières-Holland, adequate medical supplies were secured swiftly. Blood, urine and vomitus samples have been collected for analysis and surveillance staff from the District Health Management Team (DHMT) and National Public Health Agency (NPHA) that are conducting data collection.
Police assistance has been crucial for crowd control and the ongoing investigation into the incident. The alleged source of the contamination has been traced to a local cookery shop, which has also impacted the shop owner and her daughters.
Key measures taken include:
– Activation of an emergency response team
– Swift medical treatment and stabilization of patients
– Securing medical supplies with the help of relevant authorities and organizations
– Collection and analysis of biological samples
– Police support for investigation and crowd control
The collaborative efforts of healthcare teams, authorities and support organizations have been instrumental in managing the crisis. Continued treatment and monitoring of the patients are ongoing and investigations into the source of contamination are being pursued rigorously.
As of the latest update, all affected individuals are showing positive responses to treatment and no fatalities have been reported. The response teams remain vigilant, ensuring comprehensive care and preventive measures to avert future incidents.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
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