By Synthia Lateu
A case of mass food poisoning has left two school children dead and over 100 people hospitalized in Douala. The tragedy occurred on Tuesday, June 24, in the New-Bell neighborhood of the Douala II Subdivision.
The two children reportedly died after consuming a locally made biscuit purchased from a vendor at the New-Bell neighborhood. Around 20 other cases were later rushed to the New-Bell District Hospital, with the most critical cases transferred to L’aquintinie Hospital for intensive care.
According to eyewitnesses, the biscuits were made and sold by a local seller known for regularly distributing them to children in the area. Shocked by the outcome, the vendor reportedly surrendered himself to the police, though witnesses said they could not understand what went wrong, as his products had never resulted in such a scare.
The Director of the L’aquintinie Hospital also confirmed that 105 people had been admitted at around 4:00 pm.
In a communiqué issued following the incident, L’aquantinie’s director stated that over one hundred healthcare personnel, including psychologists were mobilized on the instructions of the Minister of Public Health to care for the victims and their families.
At press time, the exact cause of the food poisoning had not yet been made public. However, food poisoning often results from combining foods that should otherwise not be combined or eating expired food.
The incident caused widespread panic, with large crowds gathering outside the Newbell District Hospital.
Local authorities, including the Senior Divisional Officer for Wouri and the Divisional Officer of Douala II, visited the scenes to assess the situation and reassure concerned families.
The Laquintinie hospital director assured the public that the situation is under control, thanks to a rapid-response plan and a multidisciplinary care system. No deaths were recorded at the L’aquintinie Hospital.
