SANDAKAN: The Sabah Health Department is still probing the source of the food contamination that allegedly led to the death of a 10-year-old boy this week.
Department director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna, referring to the case of a Primary 4 pupil from SK Taman Rimba who died of suspected food poisoning, said they are still probing the boy's food exposure history.
The case of death, he said, is still under investigation.
"Food and environmental samples have been collected for further analysis to determine the cause of the incident.
"Checks showed that the boy had eaten food purchased by his father on July 23, 2024.
"The child experienced diarrhoea, fever, and loss of appetite, and on July 24, had a seizure.
"He was then taken to the Duchess of Kent Hospital by his family.
"Emergency care was administered as he was found unconscious and required respiratory assistance," he said in a statement.
The child was then admitted to the paediatric medical ward before he was later pronounced dead.
However, Dr Asits said initial information indicated that the boy's mother also consumed the same food and experienced similar symptoms, receiving treatment at the same hospital.
The State Education Department had previously denied that the boy ate contaminated food from his school canteen.
They believe that he had consumed food at home, which eventually led to his death.
He added that food poisoning is caused by the consumption of contaminated food or drink.
It can result from bacteria or bacterial toxins, viruses, parasites, chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides, heavy metals, and toxic plants like mushrooms and shellfish.