Foodborne illness from tuba-tuba seeds among school-aged children, Philippines: a call for community education

TL;DR

A foodborne illness outbreak occurred among schoolchildren in the Philippines after eating tuba-tuba seeds, highlighting the need for community education.

Contribution

The study identifies tuba-tuba seeds as a cause of illness in children and emphasizes the need for public health education.

Findings

Ten children aged 10-12 years developed symptoms like vomiting after eating tuba-tuba seeds.

Symptoms began within 1-4 hours of consumption, and all children recovered within 3 days.

The study confirms tuba-tuba seeds as the cause and recommends community education to prevent future incidents.

Abstract

On 2 September 2023, the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Department of Health’s Center for Health Development in Calabarzon, Philippines, received a report of foodborne illness due to the ingestion of tuba-tuba (Jatropha curcas) seeds in Talao Talao Village, Lucena City. The objective of this study was to describe the public health event.

A descriptive study was conducted. Cases were defined as previously well individuals who developed at least one of the following symptoms after eating tuba-tuba seeds: vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headache or dizziness. Health records were reviewed, and key informant interviews and environmental surveys were conducted.

Ten cases were identified, ranging in age from 10 to 12 years. The onset of symptoms ranged from 1 to 4 hours after consumption. Six of the cases were taken to the hospital, although two went home before being admitted; all recovered after 3 days. The most common symptom was vomiting (100%); other symptoms included abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dizziness and headache.

This investigation confirmed that tuba-tuba seeds were the cause of symptoms among school-aged children in Lucena City. To prevent similar events in the future, we recommend intensifying educational campaigns at both the community and school levels, as tuba-tuba is common in the area.

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