Java rice downs 18 students in QC

At least 18 students were rushed to a hospital after eating lunch served at the canteen of a school in Quezon City Wednesday afternoon. The students complained of stomach pains and vomiting after eating Java rice and barbecue, according to a report by radio dzBB's Rowena Salvacion. The students of St. Mary's College were rushed to the Capitol Medical Center for observation. According to the report, the victims were Grade IV to fourth year high school students. Initial investigation showed they started feeling dizzy and vomited at about 2 p.m. A separate television report on "24 Oras" said at least two of the students were admitted while the others were in stable condition.

Capitol Medical Center doctors have also started examining samples of the food served to the students. "There are two students who cannot tolerate oral rehydration we are giving, and so they would be admitted, persistent ang kanilang vomiting (their vomiting was persistent)," said hospital pediatrician Realiza Henson. She added one was suffering from stomach cramps. But as of now, she said it is too early to establish if there was food poisoning involved. — KBK, GMA News