Food Poisoning in Cianjur Recurred, One Victim Died and 55 Treated

"The issue of food poisoning has occurred repeatedly in Cianjur. This indicates that there are still members of the community who have yet to prepare healthy food for a celebratory event that meets hygienic standards," said Rochady Hendra Setia Wibawa, Head of the Prevention and Disease Control Department of West Java's Health Office, on Tuesday (23/4/2024).

In the latest case, one person died and 55 others were hospitalized due to food poisoning at a wedding event in Kampung Cukang Galeuh, Cijati District, Cianjur, on Saturday (20/4/2024). The victims experienced severe diarrhea and fever symptoms. The deceased victim's name was Solihin.

Rochady stated that cases of food poisoning are prone to occur in Cianjur. This condition is triggered by the low awareness of residents in preparing food that is not only safe for consumption but also hygienic.

Based on data collected by Kompas from the Cianjur Health Service and the local police, there have been seven cases of food poisoning from 2019 to 2024. The majority of these cases occurred in village areas during wedding celebrations and breaking the fast together.

Rochady explained that the food consumed by the victims was cooked by the family members who organized the wedding event. The serving of the food was also done in a buffet style.

Based on data from the Health Department of Cianjur District, as of Tuesday, 50 victims have returned to their respective homes. Meanwhile, five other victims are still undergoing treatment at local healthcare facilities as they have not fully recovered.

"The officers from the Health Department of Cianjur Regency took food samples during the event. The food samples were then tested at the Regional Health Laboratory of Cianjur Regency," he explained.

Also read: Three Food Poisoning Cases Result in 259 Victims in Bogor

He also urges the public not to consume food that smells and tastes sour on the tongue. This is because the food is suspected to be already in a stale condition.

"Do not continue consuming food in that condition. If you already experience diarrhea, immediately seek treatment at the nearest health clinic or hospital to anticipate dehydration due to lack of fluids," he said.

Also read: Eating delicious food ends up not feeling well

Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of Cianjur Regional Police, Adjunct Commissioner Tono Listianto, stated that they have been investigating food poisoning in Cukang Galeuh Village, Cijati District. A total of five witnesses have been examined.

"Five individuals who were investigated are Muhammad Abdul Hadi, an officer from the Cijati health center, Rian Andiani as a healthcare worker who examined the victims, Lilis Sumarni and Yeti Sumyati who cooked for the event, and Iyus as the deceased victim's child," said Tono.