Eight Toddlers Hospitalized After Suspected Tuna Poisoning in Israel
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
Eight toddlers in a Beitar Illit daycare center were hospitalized Tuesday with suspected tuna poisoning after eating contaminated food, with five in mild condition. The daycare was closed and police are investigating the incident. Experts explained tuna poisoning is caused by high histamine levels from improper storage, not a general issue with the fish. While severe reactions need urgent care, mild symptoms typically resolve within 24 hours.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Eight toddlers in Beitar Illit were hospitalized with suspected tuna poisoning.
- Five children were taken to the hospital in mild condition.
- The daycare center has been closed and police have opened an investigation.
- Experts attribute tuna poisoning to high histamine levels from improper storage.
- The incident is considered a localized toxin, not a widespread problem with tuna.
Eight toddlers in a daycare center in Beitar Illit, Israel, likely suffered tuna poisoning on Tuesday after consuming contaminated food. Five of the children were taken to the hospital for medical treatment, all in mild condition. The daycare center has been closed, and the Israeli Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Emergency medical services initially suspected mild allergic reactions upon arriving at the scene around 10:25 AM. However, the diagnosis shifted to a reaction from food exposure, and it was confirmed that no hazardous materials were present in the area. Experts clarified that this type of poisoning is a localized toxin and does not indicate a broader issue with tuna consumption.
According to Dr. Vered Shichter-Konfino, Secretary of the Israeli Association of Allergy and Immunology, and Prof. Alon Harashko, former Chairman of the association, tuna poisoning results from high levels of histamine in fish, primarily tuna and mackerel. This is often due to improper storage and inadequate refrigeration. Spoiled fish are typically fresh or frozen, not canned tuna, which undergoes industrial sterilization.
Dr. Shichter-Konfino advised that anyone can experience food poisoning from improperly stored food. Prevention involves purchasing fish only from licensed and supervised businesses that maintain proper sanitation and a continuous cold chain, and ensuring correct refrigeration until cooking. Severe reactions require immediate medical attention, including adrenaline injections, while mild cases can be treated with antihistamines and supportive care, with symptoms usually resolving within 24 hours.
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