KOTA KINABALU: A Year 4 pupil who died of suspected food poisoning in Sandakan was believed to have consumed cheese tarts, according to Dr Asits Sanna.
The Sabah health director stated that the father had bought the cheese tarts from a shop and brought them home, where the 10-year-old son and his wife ate them on July 23.
"The boy subsequently experienced diarrhoea, fever, and loss of appetite," he said in a statement on Sunday (June 28).
"On July 24, the child had a seizure and was rushed by a family member to the hospital for treatment," he added.
Dr Asits said immediate emergency treatment was administered as the boy showed no signs of consciousness and required respiratory assistance.
"The boy was warded in the paediatric medical ward before he was confirmed to have died.
"The department offers its condolences to the family," he said.
He added that the child’s mother experienced similar symptoms and was treated at the women’s medical ward at the Duchess of Kent Hospital.
"However, the full history of the boy’s movements and exposure to food, as well as the cause of death, are still under investigation," said Dr Asits.
He mentioned that samples of the food and from the surroundings have been taken to aid in their investigation.
Food poisoning, he said, occurs due to the consumption of contaminated food and drinks.
"It can be caused by bacteria or its toxins, viruses, parasites, chemicals such as insecticides or pesticides, heavy metals, as well as poisonous plants like mushrooms and marine life like clams.
"We advise those who come down with symptoms of food poisoning to immediately seek treatment," Dr Asits said.
He added that the department, with the help of the Sandakan health office, will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available.
