26 Haitians Poisoned in Dominican Republic After Drinking Contaminated Juice

Twenty-six Haitians were poisoned after drinking juice on a farm in the Dominican Republic, exhibiting symptoms reminiscent of organophosphate poisoning. They were promptly treated at a hospital, where medical staff confirmed their stability. An investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the toxicity.

On February 12, 2024, a serious incident occurred in the Dominican Republic where 26 Haitian individuals, including two minors, were poisoned after consuming fruit juice while working on a farm in Pedernales. Shortly after ingestion, the victims exhibited symptoms such as vomiting and dizziness, prompting their immediate transport to the Taiwan Regional Hospital located in Azua. Medical personnel confirmed the cases, indicating that the patients displayed signs consistent with organophosphate poisoning, characterized by nausea, excessive salivation, involuntary muscle contractions, and vomiting.

Dr. Luis Edward Pérez, the Director of the hospital, stated that prompt medical intervention involving the administration of atropine, saline solution, and gastric lavage was employed. “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,” he added. Investigation into the circumstances surrounding the preparation of the juice and any possible toxic substances is currently underway by the relevant authorities as a precautionary measure.

This incident highlights a significant health risk associated with pesticide exposure, particularly regarding agricultural practices in the region. Organophosphates are commonly used pesticides that can cause severe health issues if ingested. The poisoning of migrant workers, who often lack proper safety measures and training, raises concerns about agricultural worker safety and toxic exposure in shared food and drink items. The response from healthcare organizations in such emergencies is vital in preventing further deterioration of the victims’ health and ensuring rapid treatment for those affected.

In summary, the poisoning incident in the Dominican Republic, affecting 26 Haitian workers, underscores the potential dangers of improper agricultural practices and the risks posed by toxic substances in food. The swift action taken by medical teams has stabilized the victims, and investigations are expected to provide further clarity on how such a hazardous situation occurred. Overall, this event calls attention to the critical need for improved safety standards in agricultural practices to safeguard the health of workers.

Original Source: www.haitilibre.com