Over 60 migrants likely fell ill to food poisoning at a northern Italian reception center earlier this week, authorities say. None are in critical condition.
Initial assessments suggest food poisoning caused 62 asylum seekers to suddenly fall ill at a reception facility in the Bergamo area of the Lombardy province in northern Italy.
Guests started reporting symptoms on Monday (October 2).
None in critical condition
Emergency vehicles, the local fire squad and representatives from the Bergamo health protection agency responded to the outbreak. The facility, which houses some 130 migrants, was promptly evacuated and patients were examined on the spot by healthcare professionals.
Several migrants were later sent to local hospitals. None are in critical condition.
Patients undergoing tests
Health officials initially feared the outbreak had been caused by an airborne substance, but now believe food poisoning is the more likely culprit after a large water leak was detected at the reception center. Patients are undergoing tests to confirm.
Authorities returned 99 guests to the facility on Tuesday (October 3) after completing examinations.
The local mayor was against the decision to bring the migrants back to the center and has asked to see reports written by the fire squad and others.