Serpong residents take ill after dinner

TANGERANG: Dozens of Rawa Mekar Jaya villagers in Serpong, Tangerang, have been admitted to Asobirin Hospital in the past two days with symptoms of food poisoning.

According to the patients, they came down with severe headaches and diarrhea after attending an alms dinner at the house of a Bumi Serpong Damai housing estate resident on Sunday.

At least 32 residents, including children, were suffering from dehydration when admitted to the hospital, hospital spokesman Rasid said on Tuesday.

The police were still examining the food provided by the caterer at the dinner. -- JP