20 orphans poisoned by tuna fish

JAKARTA (JP): Twenty residents of Muhammadiyah orphanage in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, were taken to the hospital with food poisoning after eating bad tuna fish on Friday night.

The orphanage's housekeeper, Syaifuddin, 35, said at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital's emergency room on Friday night the 20 orphans, between the ages of eight and 19, showed similar symptoms, including red eyes, swollen faces and vomiting, about an hour after eating.

He said the fish was purchased at the nearby Pasar Baru Lontar traditional market, where the food for the orphanage is normally purchased.

"We have been serving tuna fish for years without such a health problem," he said.

The orphans were rushed to the hospital for treatment on Friday night and were discharged on Saturday afternoon. (06)