A total of 22 agriculture and forestry students of West Visayas State University (WVSU) were hospitalized due to suspected food poisoning.
The students experienced stomach pain, headache, vomiting, and loose bowel movement after drinking chocolate they bought from the school canteen on Dec. 5.
They were brought Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial District Hospital in Lambunao, Iloilo for treatment.
Dr. Angelo Aljon Garbino of the Rural Health Unit (RHU) said those who fell ill, based on laboratory results from their stool samples, tested positive from amoebiasis.
According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, amoebiasis “is an intestinal illness caused by a one-celled parasite called Entamoeba histolytica, which is spread through human feces.”
Of the 22 alleged food poisoning victims, eight are still confined in the hospital.
RHU recommended the temporary closure of the school canteen pending further investigation.
“Na found out namon nga ang ila food handlers, ang ila manugbaligya wala health cards kag as of now, wala sanitary permit [ang canteen],” Garbino said in a radio interview.
Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Leal, College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) director, assured that the affected students are being taken care of.IMT
