Five hospitalised in Brisbane after rat bait poisoning
“This is routine when patterns in patient presentations are identified,” he said.
Health Minister Tim Nicholls said officials had no idea where the patients were poisoned or whether they all ate from the same place.
“We don’t know the source yet,” he said.
Five people have been poisoned after drinking rat poison on Brisbane’s south side.Credit: File
“I know there has been some speculation about this, but the Chief Medical Officer told me just this morning that we have not been able to identify the point source of the intake.”
Nicholls said investigations were ongoing to determine the source of the contamination, with unconfirmed reports a takeaway store may be to blame.
“Whether it’s contaminated eggs, contaminated mayonnaise or rodents, there are strict rules regarding food preparation and catering and they must be followed,” he said.
“Public health is really important, so the Chief Health Officer and the public health unit are carrying out really comprehensive reviews.
“If someone has done something wrong they will know that, but if they have done something wrong we have to prove it and make sure we have the evidence to do that and that is what we are doing right now.”
McDougall said anyone with concerns about their health should contact their doctor, go to the emergency room or call 13 43 25.
