Twenty-six Haitians, including two children, fell ill after drinking fruit juice while working on a farm in Pedernales. Shortly after consuming the juice, the group experienced severe symptoms, including vomiting and dizziness, prompting an emergency transfer to the Taiwan Regional Hospital in Azua, Dominican Republic.
Dr. Luis Edward Pérez, the hospital’s director, confirmed the incident and reported that the patients exhibited symptoms consistent with organophosphate poisoning. These included nausea, vomiting, excessive salivation, and involuntary muscle contractions.
Emergency treatment, including atropine administration, saline solution, and gastric lavage, was provided upon their arrival. “Thanks to the swift action of our medical team, all patients are now stable and remain under observation,” said Dr. Pérez. “We anticipate their recovery and possible discharge within 24 hours.”
Authorities have launched an investigation into the source of the poisoning, including how the juice was prepared and whether it contained toxic substances. The cause of the incident remains unclear as officials work to determine the substance responsible for the contamination.
