By RK Shih/Staff
KAOHSIUNG — The number of victims in a mass food poisoning outbreak linked to a long-standing spring roll stall in the Jheng-yi Market (正義市場) has risen to 173. TVBS News reported that sixteen additional patients sought medical treatment after the typical 72-hour incubation period for Salmonella had passed.
The Kaohsiung City Health Bureau (衛生局) has ordered the vendor to remain closed and imposed a cumulative fine of NT$1.44 million. Laboratory results confirmed that 12 patients tested positive for Salmonella. The stall was ordered to cease operations on April 5.
Clinical observations and risks:
- Symptom severity: Dr. Wu Cheng-yi (吳政毅), Vice President of Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, noted that some patients reported diarrhea occurring up to 20 times in a single day.
- High-risk groups: While healthy adults typically recover within three days through hydration, Dr. Wu warned that the elderly and those with diabetes are at higher risk. These patients may require antibiotic treatment if they develop high fevers.
- Source of contamination: Salmonella is frequently found in egg products, contaminated eggshells, or undercooked meats. The bacteria are eliminated when food is heated to temperatures exceeding 100°C.
Municipal health officials confirmed that all hospitalized patients are currently in stable condition, and no fatalities have been reported. The bureau is continuing to monitor the recovery of the 173 identified victims and is coordinating potential compensation claims against the vendor.
