Approximately 300 Sickened at Mexico Graduation Celebration
The celebratory atmosphere of a psychology graduation last weekend quickly soured as a wave of illness swept through attendees. On July 20th, around 1,200 people gathered at a local convention center in Mérida, Mexico to celebrate the achievements of the 2019-2024 graduating class, according to The Yucatan Times. The ceremony itself went off without a hitch, with proud families and friends cheering on the new graduates.
However, the festivities took an unexpected turn in the hours and days that followed. Reports of stomach issues began to pour in, with hundreds of attendees experiencing symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Many sought medical attention at local clinics and hospitals, where they were diagnosed with gastroenteritis and other related conditions.
The number of affected individuals continued to climb through Sunday and into Monday, with reports suggesting up to 300 people had fallen ill. The scale of the outbreak raised serious concerns about food safety at the event.
As of now, neither the student organizations responsible for planning the celebration nor the catering company, identified as “Poconos,” have made official statements about the incident. However, rumors suggest that the catering company has begun reaching out to those affected.
Food Poisoning Strikes Wedding in Morocco
A recent celebration in Lahraouyine, a small town near Casablanca, Morocco, took an unfortunate turn when 26 attendees fell ill due to food poisoning, according to Morocco World News. The incident, believed to have occurred at a wedding, adds to a concerning trend of food safety issues in the country.
Late in the evening, the Sidi Othman regional hospital in Casablanca received an influx of patients reporting symptoms of food poisoning. The source appears to be a traditional Moroccan chicken dish served at the event. Hospital director Said Benaasli confirmed the outbreak, noting that the affected individuals experienced varying degrees of illness.
Currently, 17 patients are in stable condition, while nine others continue to receive treatment. Among those affected is a 3-year-old child who required more specialized care at a different facility. Another patient has been moved to the emergency room for more intensive care.
This incident is not isolated, as Morocco has seen a troubling rise in food poisoning cases recently. As previously reported by Food Poisoning News, a May outbreak in Marrakesh resulted in at least six fatalities, leading to legal consequences for the responsible food establishment owner and staff. Earlier this month, Food Poisoning News also reported on another incident in northern Morocco that saw 20 people, including children, sent to hospitals after consuming food from a local fast food restaurant.
Botulism Incident in Tajikistan Linked to Canned Salads
A recent botulism outbreak in Tajikistan’s Vose district has resulted in two deaths and hospitalization of five others. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Tajikistan (MoHSPP) has attributed the incident to the consumption of contaminated canned salads, according to Asia Plus.
Botulism is a potentially fatal illness that attacks the body’s nerves, leading to muscle paralysis, particularly affecting facial nerves. In severe cases, it can cause breathing difficulties and even death. The rare illness is typically caused by improperly home-canned, preserved, or fermented foods.
The victims, six children and one adult from Bahoriston village, were not from the same family but were neighbors who shared a meal. Tragically, two boys aged 5 and 11 lost their lives, while the other five individuals are currently hospitalized but in stable condition.
The incident, which occurred on July 12, has prompted an investigation by the local prosecutor’s office. However, specific details about the exact food consumed and the location of the meal remain undisclosed.
This tragedy highlights a persistent issue in Tajikistan: the dangers associated with home canning. According to the national health agency, home canning is the leading cause of food-borne botulism in the country. From 2019 to 2020, 132 cases of food-borne botulism were documented, with 68 cases in 2019 and 64 in 2020.
Commenting on these stories, one national food poisoning lawyer said, “The events in Mexico and Morocco should have been a day of joyous celebrations. Instead, many people became ill and they will be remembered for the wrong reasons. Caterers, restaurants, and other providers of food services must ensure they always follow strict food safety guidelines, especially when they are serving large numbers of people. The incident in Tajikistan is especially tragic as two young boys died. The risk of botulism contamination can typically be prevented by following safe canning guidelines.”
