5 Children Poisoned After Birthday Party Still At Hospital, Papua Mimika Police: Blood Samples Are Still Being Examined

Emergency officers of RSMM Timika gave help to dozens of children and adults who were poisoned (Photo: ANTARA/HO)

JAKARTA - The birthday party ended in disaster. A total of 5 children experienced food poisoning after celebrating a birthday party on Line 2, Rambutan Street, Timika Jaya Sub-district (SP2), Timika.

Until now victims named Gilbert, Wismawati, Muhamad Bilal, Ignasius, and Fabianus are still undergoing intensive care at Mitra Masyarakat Hospital (RSMM) Timika, Papua.

"There are still 5 people being treated at RSMM, while the others have returned home," said Mimika Police Chief, Grand Commissioner Adjutant, IGG Era Adhinata, in Timika as quoted by Antara, Sunday, February 28.

The victim and dozens of other children including adults attended a birthday party that was held on Saturday, February 27 yesterday. One of the victim's parents, Susanti Rumbo, said the party was held at 14.00 to 16.00 East Indonesia Time.

During the birthday party, the host provides a dish of yellow rice. Panic arose when the children returned to their homes.

Susanti said her son was experiencing symptoms of headaches and vomiting. Realizing this, she immediately took her two children to the nearest health clinic.

"Said the staffs in the clinic, my child was poisoned, and told to go to the emergency room of RSMM," said Susanti. It turned out that a similar condition was experienced by several other children who attended birthday parties.

"Arriving at the hospital, it turned out that one by one the parents and children who took part in the birthday activity also came to the emergency room," said Susanti.

Mimika Police Chief Era Adhinata said the birthday menu provided by the host consisted of yellow rice, side dishes, eggs, and noodles cooked by the host himself.

"We have taken blood samples from several victims to check what is the causes of the mass poisoning," said Era Adhinata.

Not only at RSMM, but some of the victims were also taken for treatment at Chandra Hospital and Petrosea Clinic.

The number of victims suspected of food poisoning was listed 45 children and 9 adults, including the child of the host who organized the birthday party.