Poisonous root crop downs family of 8

A family of eight got poisoned reportedly after eating a root crop in Barangay Union, San Francisco town in Camotes Islands on Thursday.

The root crop, which is locally known as "kuot," was found by the father of the family and was cooked for their meal.

Provincial Health Office Head Dr. Rene Catan said that particular crop needs to go through a process before it can be eaten.

"Family sa gabi. It practically looks like gabi. Naay process ni sya pag-prepare. So, painiton, dokdokon unya naa silay ibutang para ma-counteract ang kining poisonous effect sa chemical. Wala ni sya kahibalo. Nagtuo siya nga gabi, so he prepared it, just like gabi, giapil guro niya sa sud-an," Catan said.

The family was first brought to the Ricardo L. Maningo Memorial hospital in San Francisco after they experienced dizziness and vomiting. They were later brought to the Cebu Provincial Hospital in Danao City.

“Gidala sila sa district hospital ug gasuka suka, galakaw ra sila. Dili grabe ang mga bata, mas grabe ang amahan,” Catan said.

As of now, he said the family is now in stable condition at the provincial hospital.

Catan advised the public to be careful on what they eat, as this might risk the life of their family.

“I would advise nga something nga dili familiar nato, ato gyud na sila kuanon. Mangutana labi na sa mga nakahibalo sama sa mushrooms, majority sa mga mushrooms poisonous baya,” Catan said.

F. Antojado/GAN