Source of rat poisoning in SEQ identified
Authorities have identified the source of a suspected poisoning incident that resulted in five Logan residents, including a child, being hospitalized after ingesting rat bait last week.
Queensland Health is working with police on the poisoning and issued an alert on Friday warning people against two products: homemade chilli and chilli paste, and homemade marinated aubergine containing chilli and chilli paste.
The health department said the products were unlabeled and could circulate in the Logan community.
Authorities have identified the source of a suspected poisoning incident that resulted in five Logan residents, including a child, being hospitalized after ingesting rat bait last week.Credit: Queensland Health
Five people from three separate families were admitted to hospitals on Brisbane’s south side between October 12 and 17. One of them presented with joint swelling, the other complained of hematuria (blood in the urine).
Authorities believe they ingested Brodifacoum, the active ingredient in rat poison, which inhibits Vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting. If swallowed by humans, it may cause complications due to bleeding.
Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall said no further cases of possible poisoning had been identified since the five were reported last week.
“The products identified are homemade and do not appear to be widely distributed. They are believed to be available only very locally in the Logan community.
“We do not believe there is a widespread risk to the general public, but we encourage people in the Logan area to remain vigilant.
“The investigation is ongoing, we continue to investigate further and will keep the community updated.”
