Two people have died and dozens more are receiving treatment following a suspected food poisoning incident at a church in Luanda on Tuesday. The outbreak is believed to have been triggered by food consumed during a church service that doubled as a fundraising event.
More than 50 church members, hailing from ten different congregations, have been hospitalized after consuming rice and beans at Paradiso Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church in Luanda Constituency on Sunday. The meal was served during a monthly gathering of local church leaders.
According to health officials, many of those affected began experiencing severe stomach upsets shortly after the meal, with symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea. The majority of the victims were admitted to nearby medical facilities, including Emuhaya, Kima, Coptic, and Equator hospitals.
Albert Embenzi, the head of Luanda Sub County’s Ministry of Health, confirmed that the ministry had been responding to an influx of patients from Ebusikhale village, who reported similar symptoms of foodborne illness. “We have seen a number of individuals with vomiting and diarrhea after consuming the meal at the church,” said Embenzi.
Reverend Onesmus Andeve of Furaha PAG, one of the church leaders who attended the event, confirmed that ten local congregations participated in the meeting at Paradiso PAG Church. Andeve, who is currently receiving treatment at Emuhaya Sub County Hospital, said he too ate the rice, beans, and tea, and began feeling unwell late on Sunday night.
Tragically, a woman and a child succumbed to the illness while under medical care at Emuhaya Sub County Hospital. Their deaths are now under investigation as part of the ongoing probe into the cause of the food poisoning.
Local authorities, including the county’s health department and other investigative agencies, are currently reviewing the situation. Food samples from the event, as well as blood and stool samples from patients, are being collected for analysis to determine the exact cause of the outbreak.
As the investigation continues, health officials are urging the public to exercise caution when consuming food at large gatherings and to report any similar symptoms to health facilities immediately.
