TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – At least 112 people including children suffered nausea and chest pain after reportedly eating sinigang na tuna for lunch in a gathering called by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here over the weekend.
Mayor Jefferson Soriano told The STAR that 36 of the victims had to be confined at the Dr. Ronald Guzman Medical Center, while 76 others were immediately sent home after receiving treatment.
Aside from nausea and chest pain, the victims also suffered loose bowel movement and skin rashes.
As of yesterday, 25 of the 36 patients were discharged from the hospital, according to Dr. Ronnie Guzman.
Soriano said the victims, mostly beneficiaries of the government’s Sagip Pamilya Program and DSWD employees, expressed belief that the tuna caused the poisoning.
The City Health Office took samples of the dish for examination. They have yet to release the result as of press time.