22 people hospitalised after eating food at funeral

A farming community in the Nkwanta South of the Oti Region has been hit by an alleged food poisoning, leaving 22 people hospitalized. The victims reportedly suffered from acute diarrhea and other symptoms after consuming food at a funeral held on Sunday morning. Of the 22 people affected, 13 have been admitted to the Nkwanta South Municipal hospital, while the remaining nine are receiving treatment at the Nkwanta St. Joseph Catholic Hospital.

In an interview with Adom News’ Obrempongba Owusu, the Medical Superintendent of Nkwanta Municipal Hospital, Dr. Theophilus Amoatey, revealed that all the patients complained of vomiting and acute diarrhea. However, he added that all the patients are responding well to treatment. The victims were served porridge, rice, Banku (a local dish made from fermented corn and cassava dough), meat, and Pito (a locally brewed drink made from wheat and maize), according to reports.

Samples of the food consumed have been sent to the laboratory for examination, and a team of disease control management has been deployed to the community for further investigation. Meanwhile, the nursing officer at St. Joseph Catholic Hospital, David Amenudzi, and his colleagues who were on duty when the victims were admitted, confirmed that most of them were not in any life-threatening situation at the time of admission. However, some of the patients and their relatives reported eating rice, banku, and meat before experiencing diarrhea and severe stomach pain.

–The Post Ghana