KOTA KINABALU: Over 100 pupils at a primary school in Pulau Gaya consumed nasi lemak the morning of the day they came down with food poisoning.
Sabah Health director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna said investigators found the children had eaten the food at 9.50am on Monday (July 22).
He said the Kota Kinabalu Health office was subsequently notified by clinics and government hospitals of the outbreak at 2.09pm that day.
“The outbreak involved 103 pupils,” he said, in a statement on Wednesday (July 24).
“They showed symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and stomachache.
“Eight pupils were warded while 95 received outpatient treatment.
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“The pupils, aged between six and 12, are in stable condition, with no fatalities reported,” he added.
He said, however, the full history of the pupils’ movements and exposure to food items was still under investigation.
In a statement on Monday, Dr Asits said the school canteen’s operations and the Supplementary Food Programme for underprivileged students had been suspended pending the investigation.
He said the authorities had also taken measures such as active case detection, administering proper treatment as well as health education to those affected.
Samples of food, drinks and the school surroundings had been collected for the investigation, he added.
“Food poisoning can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, chemicals from insect repellents and insecticides, heavy metals, poisonous plants such as mushrooms as well as seafood.
“We advise the public to obtain immediate treatment if they start exhibiting symptoms of food poisoning,” he said.
