Twenty-Six Haitians Poisoned by Contaminated Juice in Dominican Republic

On February 12, 2024, 26 Haitian nationals were poisoned after consuming fruit juice on a farm in the Dominican Republic. Hospitalized with symptoms of organophosphate poisoning, they received immediate treatment and are now stable. Investigations into the cause of the poisoning are ongoing.

In a troubling incident, 26 Haitians, including two minor children, were reported to have suffered poisoning after consuming fruit juice at a farm in Pedernales, located in the Dominican Republic. Shortly after ingesting the beverage, the workers exhibited alarming symptoms such as vomiting and dizziness. They were promptly transported to the Taiwan Regional Hospital in Azua for emergency medical care.

At the hospital, Dr. Luis Edward Pérez, the hospital’s director, confirmed the patients exhibited symptoms indicative of organophosphate poisoning. These symptoms included nausea, excessive salivation, and muscle contractions. Treatment commenced immediately with the administration of atropine, saline solutions, and gastric lavage. Fortunately, Dr. Pérez expressed that, “Thanks to the team’s quick action, everyone is stable and under observation.”

The medical staff continues to monitor the condition of the patients, providing necessary care with optimism for their recovery. As of now, the investigation into the juice’s preparation method and the specific substances involved is ongoing, but no conclusions have yet been reached regarding the origin of the contamination.

The recent poisoning incident highlights ongoing health concerns regarding food safety and agricultural practices within the region. Organophosphate poisoning, commonly linked to certain pesticides, raises critical questions surrounding agricultural hygiene and toxin management. This situation accentuates the necessity for increased vigilance and regulatory oversight regarding food and beverage consumption in farming areas, particularly where migrant workers are involved in harvest and agricultural processes.

The incident involving the poisoning of 26 Haitians in the Dominican Republic serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with agricultural practices and food safety. Immediate medical interventions have stabilized the affected individuals, while investigations are underway. It is vital to uncover the source of contamination to prevent future occurrences and ensure the safety of agricultural workers.

Original Source: www.haitilibre.com