San Andres, Catanduanes – At least 110 persons, who attended the funeral of the Catanduanes governor’s father, were rushed to different hospitals in Catanduanes after showing symptoms of food poisoning here.
Ninety-four were admitted at the JMA Memorial District Hospital in San Andres, seven at the Eastern Bicol Medical Center, and nine at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Hospital in Virac.
However, there were reportedly many others who opted not to go to the hospital, prompting concerned local government units (LGUs) to just closely monitor their status.
Authorities are looking into the possibility of food poisoning after mourners at the wake of Catanduanes Governor Joseph C. Cua’s father last October 24 started to vomit, had diarrhea and high fever. Egg sandwich was reportedly served during the wake.
The stricken mourners included family members, friends and staff of the Cua family.
Cua said they had the snacks catered and that they were already questioning the caterer on the details of the served foods.
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) told Cua that they could not test the food sample anymore as these have already been consumed.
Mayor Peter C. Cua told Manila Bulletin that his family has already apologize for the untoward incident, and that they were making sure that all the victims are properly monitored, and their hospital bills paid for by the Cuas.
As of this writing, all patients were stable and 10 of those who were admitted were set to be released from the hospital on Tuesday.