Mass Poisoning After Eating Food During Recess DPRD Members In Cimahi Still Being Investigated

Patients who experience similar symptoms of poisoning are waiting for the results of the examination at the Padasuka Health Center, Cimahi City, West Java Province, Monday (24/7/2023). (ANTARA/Ricky Prayoga)

The cause of poisoning that befell hundreds of people in the Central Cimahi District, Cimahi City, West Java, is still being investigated.

Puskesmas Padadasuka Cimahi Tengah has sent samples of food consumed by people who have symptoms of poisoning to the West Java Provincial Health Laboratory.

"We are still waiting for the results of the sample testing by the Labkesda," said Head of the Padasukadrg Health Center. Suerlina Sitompul was quoted as saying by ANTARA, Monday, July 24.

He said people who experienced symptoms of poisoning were previously reported to have consumed food during a recess for members of the Cimahi City DPRD in Padasuka Village on Saturday (22/7).

The food served at the event includes rice, ballad eggs, and suwir chicken.

"The initial assumption was because of the event, because the victims did eat food from there. But first, we have to determine the cause," said Suerlina.

Officers have taken samples of food consumed by people who have symptoms of poisoning and sent them to the laboratory on Sunday (23/7).

"We sent the sample to the Labkesda on Sunday, the results will come out in the next two to three days. So, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow," he said.

Residents who experience similar symptoms of poisoning until Monday (24/7) afternoon still arrive at the Padasuka Health Center in Central Cimahi District, which is used as a Food Toxic Handling Command Post.

Ambulances also go back and forth to the puskesmas several times. Patients who come to the puskesmas from Monday morning to noon generally complain of stomach pain and nausea.

Some patients who come to the puskesmas can undergo outpatient treatment. However, there are also patients who need further treatment so that they are taken to the hospital by ambulance.

The Puskesmas refers to patients who need further treatment at Mitra Kasih Hospital, Ciibabat Hospital, Dustira Hospital, Kasih Bunda Hospital, and Mall Hospital.

In addition, there were patients who were referred to the Hasan Sadikin Hospital in Bandung because the hospitals were full.

Around 300 people out of a total of 350 people who attended the recess event for DPRD members in Padasuka Village were reported to have experienced similar symptoms of poisoning.

Residents who attended the event came from Setiamanah Village, Cimahi Village, and Padasuka Village.