Israel News
Toddlers Hospitalized After Suspected Reaction to Canned Tuna at Israeli Daycare
Toddlers and staff were hospitalized after a suspected reaction to canned tuna at a Beitar Illit daycare. Police have closed the facility and launched an investigation.
The scene in Beitar Illit (Photo: MDA)An unusual incident occurred this morning (Tuesday) at a daycare center on Kedushat Levi Street in Beitar Illit, after approximately ten toddlers, around one year old, developed symptoms of an allergic reaction.
The call was received at 10:25 a.m. at Magen David Adom's (MDA) 101 emergency dispatch center in the Jerusalem region. According to initial reports, the toddlers were suffering from redness and skin irritation, but all were fully conscious and their conditions were described as mild. EMTs and paramedics who arrived at the daycare began examining the children and providing treatment according to their conditions.
According to an update from Hatzalah emergency responders, daycare staff reported that the toddlers began feeling unwell after eating canned tuna. EMTs Yossi Fried, Yitzchak Tayar, and Tzvi Klar said, "We provided them with initial medical assistance, and at this stage their condition is defined as mild."
Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital reported that nine people affected by the incident at the Beitar Illit daycare were taken to the hospital for medical treatment, including five toddlers and four adult women. One toddler was listed in moderate condition, while the remaining patients were in mild condition.
Deputy hospital director Dr. Salah Daher explained that following the initial report, the hospital prepared to receive patients who may have been exposed to a toxic substance.
"In light of the MDA notification, a small-scale mass casualty event of the toxicological type was declared — and accordingly, a broad, protected professional team was assembled in order to handle any type of substance that might be identified as the cause of the infants' condition, which presented mainly as flushed faces and agitation."
Following the incident, police ordered the daycare center closed, and a report was forwarded to the Ministry of Health. Police also launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
