The 216 people rushed to the different hospitals in Agusan del Sur on Monday, February 19, 2024, due to suspected food poisoning are now safe from danger and their health conditions are already improving, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said.

Out of 216, 89 patients have already been discharged.

“They’re stable and siguro may ibang course lang ng medicine na patapusin lang sa kanila,” PHO Head, Dr. Jackie Momville, said.

The victims experienced stomachache, vomiting, and loose bowel movement after reportedly eating the meals served by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) through its ‘hot meals on wheels’ program in Barangay Tandang Sora, Esperanza town.

However, authorities could not yet conclude if the cause of the incident is food poisoning as they are still waiting for the result of the laboratory test.

In a statement, the PRC said its feeding program will be suspended in the province while the cause of the health emergency remains under investigation.

“The welfare of the people is of utmost concern to us and we are doing everything we can to ensure that every individual taken to the hospital is out of harm’s way at the soonest time,” part of the statement reads.

The humanitarian organization also vowed to support and cooperate in the ongoing investigation.

“Rest assured that PRC supports the investigation. PRC remains transparent and will closely coordinate with the local government on this serious matter,” it added.

Health authorities also gave an advice to avoid contaminated food and water.

“Kung maranasan ang pananakit ng tiyan, pagsusuka o pagdudumi, pwede po agad makipag-ugnayan sa barangay health worker, midwife o nurse. Sa pag-prepare naman ng ating pagkain, para maging safe siya, siguraduhin, mula sa pagbili ng pagkaing lulutuin, kung paano ito lulutuin at yung pag-storage at pag-handle ng mga pagkaing naluto na. Dapat makapaghugas din ng kamay, malinis yung mga kamay bago kumain,” Momville said.

| via One Mindanao / Photo courtesy: PPIO Agusan del Sur