29 Students Rushed to Hospitals After Suspected Food Poisoning in Davao del Norte
FOOD POISONING – An investigation is underway in Davao del Norte after 29 students from Tulalian National High School reportedly developed symptoms linked to suspected food poisoning.
Twenty-nine students from Tulalian National High School in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte were brought to hospitals after reportedly experiencing symptoms consistent with suspected food poisoning on Monday, August 24.
According to the Santo Tomas Municipal Health Office (MHO), some of the students experienced abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Authorities immediately responded to the situation and coordinated with health and disaster response teams to ensure that the affected students received the necessary medical attention.
The MHO worked alongside personnel from New Katipunan, Balagunan, Bobongon, and the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) to transport the students to the Santo Tomas Rural Health Unit for initial medical assessment and treatment.
Of the 29 students who were attended to, 18 were referred to the Davao del Norte Hospital Carmen Zone (DDNH-CZ), while four were referred to the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC). One student was transferred to a private hospital following the request of the student’s parents.
Meanwhile, six students were declared “clinically cleared” after showing no symptoms or signs associated with food poisoning.
The Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Santo Tomas local government unit (LGU) also assured that the students’ hospital expenses would be covered through zero billing, providing relief to their families as the investigation continues.
As part of the investigation, the MHO deployed its Municipal Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (MESU) Team to Tulalian National High School. The team will inspect the school canteen as well as food vendors operating in the surrounding area.
Food samples will also be collected and examined to help determine the possible source of the incident. Authorities have yet to establish what caused the students’ symptoms, pending laboratory findings and further investigation.
The MHO also appealed to the public to avoid sharing unverified reports or details about the incident on social media, warning that inaccurate information could cause unnecessary concern among students, parents, and community members.
“The Municipal Health Office remains fully committed to safeguarding the health and safety of our students and the broader community,” said MHO.
“Official updates will be released as soon as laboratory results and further investigation reports become available,” it added.
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