Rescuers assist 17 Grade 5 pupils of a public elementary school in Barangay Tiglawan, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, who fell ill after consuming the seeds of kasla or tuba-tuba on Wednesday, August 12. (Cadiz CDRRMO)
BACOLOD CITY - Seventeen Grade 5 pupils fell ill after reportedly consuming seeds of kasla or tuba-tuba in a public elementary school in Barangay Tiglawigan, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, August 12.
Richard Amante, head of the Cadiz City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), said that one of the pupils reportedly shared the seeds with his classmates.
However, about two hours later, the pupils who ate the seeds suffered from severe stomach ache, dizziness, and vomiting.
Amante said they brought the victims to the hospital. Seven of them suffered from severe dehydration which needed further treatment and monitoring.
As of Thursday, August 13, Amante said all pupils were discharged from the hospital and were allowed to go home.
Amante said the pupils may have consumed the seeds out of curiosity as they look like ordinary nuts. He added that it was the first time they have responded to such a case.
The CDRRMO warned the public that seeds of kasla or tuba-tuba are not for human consumption due to their potential health risks.
Amante said the plant, however, can even be used for making biofuel.