Kaohsiung Spring Roll Food Poisoning Cases Rise to 157; Patients in Stable Condition

Salmonella can cause severe and even fatal infections, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Sheng Wang-huei, Director of the Infection Control Center at National Taiwan University Hospital, pointed out that if the bacteria enter the bloodstream through wounds, it can even cause sepsis.

The causes of Salmonella-related illnesses are often due to contaminated food sources, such as raw eggs, dairy, meat, and related products. If food is stored improperly, Salmonella can easily multiply in high temperatures and spread more easily.

The Department of Health stated that they are monitoring the medical institutions where patients have been admitted; their conditions are stable and recovering after treatment. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai stated in a joint media interview before a municipal meeting this morning that test samples from patients revealed the poisoning is due to Salmonella. Salmonella is typically found in "egg products," and they are currently investigating the related sources of the poisoning.

A press release from the Department of Health yesterday noted that 12 patients in this incident had already tested positive for Salmonella. The Department has legally increased the cumulative fines against the business owner to NT$1.44 million and is cooperating with the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office in the investigation.