26 Haitians Poisoned After Consuming Fruit Juice in Dominican Republic
A total of 26 Haitians were poisoned after drinking juice on a farm in the Dominican Republic. They exhibited symptoms of organophosphate poisoning and were treated at the Taiwan Regional Hospital. All patients are now stable, but the cause of their poisoning is under investigation.
On February 12, 2024, a troubling incident was reported involving 26 Haitian nationals who experienced poisoning after consuming fruit juice while employed on a farm in Pedernales, Dominican Republic. Shortly after ingesting the juice, they exhibited symptoms such as vomiting and dizziness, necessitating their urgent transportation to the Taiwan Regional Hospital in Azua for medical attention.
The hospital confirmed that all patients presented symptoms indicative of organophosphate poisoning. Dr. Luis Edward Pérez, Director of the hospital, explained that upon arrival, the individuals were treated for nausea, vomiting, excessive salivation, and muscle contractions—typical signs associated with this type of poisoning. Immediate medical interventions, including atropine administration, saline solution, and gastric lavage, were initiated to stabilize the affected individuals.
Dr. Pérez further conveyed, “Thanks to the team’s quick action, everyone is stable and under observation. We continue to monitor the patients and provide the necessary medical care until they fully recover. We hope to release them in the next 24 hours.”
Currently, investigations are underway to determine the method of preparation of the juice and whether it contained any toxic substances, as the exact cause of the poisoning remains unidentified.
The incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by agricultural workers in the Dominican Republic, particularly Haitians, who often undertake hazardous tasks. Agricultural work can expose individuals to various chemicals, and this situation raises concerns about food safety standards and poisoning effects linked to improperly processed or contaminated food products. The investigation will be crucial in uncovering the specifics of this incident and preventing future occurrences.
In summary, 26 Haitians were poisoned after consuming fruit juice on a farm in the Dominican Republic, leading to significant medical intervention. While they are reported to be in stable condition, the incident underscores the importance of food safety and worker protection in agricultural practices. Investigations are necessary to identify the source of the poisoning to prevent similar events in the future.
Original Source: www.haitilibre.com
