Six of the 105 hospitalized victims of a massive food poisoning in New Bell, Douala, are still under care at the Laquintinie Hospital, while 99 victims have been discharged.
The update from Laquintinie Hospital’s communication office comes two days after 105 people, including 99 children, were hospitalized after reportedly eating contaminated biscuits at a party.
Two victims died in the incident that has baffled residents in Cameroon’s largest city.
Investigations Opened
According to the Laquintinie Hospital, six adults were among the 105 people admitted at the hospital on June 24 after consuming a yet-to-be-identified toxic substance.
The Littoral Governor, Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, said investigations were open to unravel the cause of the tragedy.
The survival of most victims has been attributed to emergency efforts under the supervision of the Minister of Public Health, which immediately mobilized to provide life-saving care.
“After initial emergency care, 19 children and 1 adult were able to return home shortly thereafter,” Laquintinie Hospital’s statement said.
“Eighty-five patients were hospitalized and placed under observation by our teams, who were massively mobilized in our various departments.”
Victims Still Under Care
As of June 25 at noon, only six victims, all children, were under care. Among them is a 19-year-old patient in the Intensive Care Unit, whose condition has reportedly stabilized and is now reported to be “out of danger”.
The hospital expressed gratitude to public health authorities and the city of Douala for their swift coordination, which helped ensure timely care and psychological support to affected families.
To continue following up with treatment of victims, the hospital has opened a listening unit at its Patient House, along with a team of psychologists to assist victims and relatives during their recovery.
Food poisoning is a recurrent public health concern in Cameroon, claiming several lives and causing numerous hospitalizations yearly.
