Police in Brisbane, Australia, are currently investigating a series of five alarming incidents involving rat poisoning, affecting multiple individuals, including a child, in the same locality. The cases are isolated within three families residing in the area and have not been linked to any food establishments.
Last week, five individuals were hospitalized in separate facilities due to concerns that they had consumed contaminated takeaway food, which is now suspected to contain brodifacoum, a common ingredient in rat poison. Brodifacoum disrupts blood clotting by interfering with vitamin K, leading to symptoms such as bleeding gums, excessive bleeding from minor injuries, fatigue, difficulty breathing, easy bruising, and the presence of blood in urine and feces.
The onset of brodifacoum poisoning symptoms may be delayed but can be severe, potentially fatal in extreme cases, with a lethal dose estimated at around 15mg per kg of body weight. Children may be at higher risk. The patients are receiving treatment at Logan and Princess Alexandra hospitals.
Authorities have emphasized that there is no evidence linking the incidents to any specific food outlet. Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the poison. Chief Health Officer Catherine McDougall confirmed that the cases are not considered suspicious, and interviews are being conducted to establish connections between them.
Fortunately, no new cases have been reported recently. However, medical professionals have been advised to remain vigilant for patients showing unexplained signs of bleeding. According to McDougall, some patients required hospitalization, while others received vitamin K treatment at home.
Queensland police are collaborating with health officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. If you have any relevant information, you can contact julia.banim@reachplc.com.
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