Seventeen children and three adults were taken to the hospital after falling ill at a restaurant during a party. The incident occurred at a religious celebration in a restaurant located in Via Roggerone, Genoa, Italy. The individuals experienced symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea, which were later diagnosed as carbon monoxide poisoning.
Multiple ambulances were required to transfer the affected individuals to various hospitals, with some being admitted to the Istituto Giannina Gaslini hospital and others to San Martino, which is equipped with specialized facilities including a hyperbaric chamber.
The poisoning was attributed to inhaling carbon monoxide fumes from a malfunctioning heating system. Fortunately, all 20 individuals affected by the incident are now receiving medical care at Giannina Gaslini Hospital. The hospital confirmed that the patients are in stable condition, with the most severely affected individuals having returned from San Martino.
According to La Repubblica, the hospital stated that the patients, including 17 children and three parents, are closely monitored by healthcare professionals, and their condition is stable. Some are undergoing oxygen therapy and have been placed in different hospital departments based on their specific needs.
As part of the treatment protocol, patients requiring hyperbaric chamber therapy have already completed their sessions at San Martino Hospital. The hospital mentioned that discharge would occur gradually after 24 hours of observation.
In a separate incident last month, a suspected carbon monoxide leak at a Marks & Spencer store in Charlton, southeast London, led to a major incident declaration. Firefighters discovered elevated carbon monoxide levels in the building, prompting the evacuation and treatment of 30 individuals for chemical inhalation. An internal investigation is underway to determine the cause of the leak.