3 Brothers and Sisters in Tanjung Selor Allegedly Poisoned by Canned Sardines, One Person Dies

TANJUNG SELOR – Three brothers and sisters in Sekatak Buji Village, Sekatak District were referred to dr. H. Soemarno Sosroatdmojo Regional Hospital (RSD), Tanjung Selor, Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan for suspected poisoning after consuming canned sardines.

Secretary for the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) North Kalimantan Family Harmony (KKB), Franky Xavier, explained that the incident started when the victim bought two cans of sardines. Three people were then poisoned.

“I don't know what brand of sardines to buy. There are green and red", said Franky, Tuesday, March 14.

One person who consumed green canned sardines did not experience poisoning. Meanwhile, three other people namely Maria Novianti (23), Sabariana (9) and Agustina (5) who consumed canned red sardines immediately experienced symptoms of poisoning.

"Before being referred to the Hospital, the three were treated at the Sekatak Health Center. Currently, two people are still undergoing treatment at the hospital. Meanwhile, one person, namely Sabariana, passed away. They are from Maumere and live in Sekatak Buji", he said.

From the results of communication with the doctor on duty, it was said that the victim who died had experienced high dehydration.

"Doctors cannot confirm poisoning before there are sample test results", he explained.

Meanwhile, the Director of dr. H. Soemarno Sosroatdmojo Hospital, dr. Widodo Darmo Sentono when confirmed said, based on the results of the examination it was found that the three people did consume canned sardines.

"So a family was treated for poisoning. However, one patient (Sabarina) had a hypovolemic shock when she was admitted to the hospital. The patient always vomited and when she entered the hospital, she experienced low blood pressure", said Widodo.

The victim was given resuscitation measures and breathing apparatus. However, his health condition continued to decline until he died.

"The patient died at 12.47 WITA on Sunday, March 12 2023", he said.

Head of Development, Public Relations and Law of dr. H. Soemarno Sosroatmodjo Hospital, Dr. Heriyadi Suranta explained, to find out whether or not you actually had sardine poisoning, further investigation should be carried out.

"Acknowledgements from the parents, it is suspected that the victim was poisoned after eating sardines. However, to confirm this suspicion, an epidemiological investigation or laboratory test is needed. What is clear, the patient came in with a severe lack of fluids due to vomiting and diarrhoea. Possibly due to sardine poisoning", he explained.

Toxicology examinations are usually sent to the Ministry of Health's laboratory. "This can be asked to the health office for the procedure", he concluded.