Living in Peru : your everyday companion

(LIP-wb) -- According to the regional health director Victor Echeandía, a total of 83 Peruvian Army soldiers in Lambayeque are suffering from food poisoning. First concerns the soldiers may have been infected by the virus that causes Dengue fever were fortunately discarded.

“After examining the soldiers we can definitely rule out a Dengue infection. Instead doctors have diagnosed an acute form of food poisoning and we are currently investigating the cause", Echeandía informed.

"We have taken food samples in the barracks to find out if they carry salmonellae or other bacteria". He detailed that three hours after they had lunch on Monday, soldiers started to complain of a strong abdominal pain, high fever and diarrhea.

Eleven patients were immediately taken to a hospital and put on an IV to prevent dehydration. Two soldiers remain under observation while the others continue receiving ambulatory treatment.

Echeandía said that on Tuesday, “we will have the final results of the Direction of Epidemiology. Then we have confirmation what type of bacterium has contaminated their food”.

“What may have happened is that some of the people who prepare the meals didn't follow the necessary hygienic and sanitary guidelines”, he explained.