Tragic Feast: 22 Hospitalized in Suspected Food Poisoning Outbreak at Funeral

A total of 22 individuals from the farming community of Agou in the Nkwanta South of the Oti Region have been hospitalized following a suspected case of food poisoning. The incident occurred after they consumed food at a funeral on Sunday morning. Out of the affected individuals, 13 have been admitted to Nkwanta South Municipal Hospital, while the remaining nine are receiving treatment at Nkwanta St. Joseph Catholic Hospital.

Dr. Theophilus Amoatey, the Medical Superintendent of Nkwanta Municipal Hospital, stated in an interview that all the victims presented with symptoms such as vomiting and acute diarrhea. He further mentioned that the patients are responding well to the treatment they are receiving.

The food served to the victims reportedly included porridge, rice, Banku (a local dish), meat, and Pito (a locally brewed drink made from wheat and maize). Samples of the food have been sent to the laboratory for examination, and a team of disease control experts has been dispatched to the community to conduct a thorough investigation.

David Amenudzi, a nursing officer at St. Joseph Catholic Hospital, and his colleagues who were on duty during the admission of the victims, stated that most of them were not in life-threatening conditions upon arrival.

Some of the patients and their relatives, interviewed at both hospitals, reported consuming rice, banku, and meat, after which they experienced diarrhea and severe stomach pain.

In conclusion, a suspected case of food poisoning has resulted in the hospitalization of 22 individuals from the Agou community. Medical professionals are attending to the patients, and investigations are underway to determine the cause of the food poisoning incident.