Foodborne illness from tuba-tuba seeds among school-aged children, Philippines: a call for community education

Authors

  • Darren H Venturina Center for Health Development, Department of Health, Region IV-A, Calabarzon, Philippines
  • Apple Charm A Agulto Region II Trauma and Medical Center, Department of Health, Cagayan Valley, Philippines
  • Alireza S Faiyaz MF City Epidemiology, Health Statistics, and Disaster and Response Unit, Calabarzon, Philippines
  • Ray Justin C Ventura Department of Health, Manila, Philippines
  • Mariz Zheila C Blanco-Payuyo Department of Health, Manila, Philippines
  • John Bobbie Roca Center for Health Development, Department of Health, Region IV-A, Calabarzon, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5365/wpsar.2025.16.1.1186

Keywords:

Jatropha curcas, foodborne illness, children, Philippines

Abstract

Objective: On 2 September 2023, the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Department of Health’s Center for Health Development in Calabarzon, Philippines, received a report of foodborne illness due to the ingestion of tuba-tuba (Jatropha curcas) seeds in Talao Talao Village, Lucena City. The objective of this study was to describe the public health event.

Methods: A descriptive study was conducted. Cases were defined as previously well individuals who developed at least one of the following symptoms after eating tuba-tuba seeds: vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headache or dizziness. Health records were reviewed, and key informant interviews and environmental surveys were conducted.

Results: Ten cases were identified, ranging in age from 10 to 12 years. The onset of symptoms ranged from 1 to 4 hours after consumption. Six of the cases were taken to the hospital, although two went home before being admitted; all recovered after 3 days. The most common symptom was vomiting (100%); other symptoms included abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dizziness and headache.

Discussion: This investigation confirmed that tuba-tuba seeds were the cause of symptoms among school-aged children in Lucena City. To prevent similar events in the future, we recommend intensifying educational campaigns at both the community and school levels, as tuba-tuba is common in the area.

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Published

20-03-2025

How to Cite

1.
Venturina DH, Agulto ACA, Faiyaz MF AS, Ventura RJC, Blanco-Payuyo MZC, Roca JB. Foodborne illness from tuba-tuba seeds among school-aged children, Philippines: a call for community education. Western Pac Surveill Response J [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 20 [cited 2026 Apr. 9];16(1). Available from: https://ojs.wpro.who.int/ojs/index.php/wpsar/article/view/1186

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1 (2025): January – March

Section

Outbreak Investigation Report

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