Seventeen children and three adults were swiftly taken to the hospital after falling ill at a restaurant during a party event. The kids, accompanied by their parents, were attending a religious gathering at a restaurant in Via Roggerone, Genoa, Italy, when they started experiencing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea, which were later diagnosed as carbon monoxide poisoning.
Multiple ambulances were required to transport the affected individuals to hospitals, including the Istituto Giannina Gaslini hospital, while those in critical condition were transferred to San Martino, which is equipped with specialized facilities like a hyperbaric chamber.
The illness was attributed to inhaling carbon monoxide from a malfunctioning heating system, and the hyperbaric chambers were utilized to enhance oxygen levels to counteract the poisoning effects.
Giannina Gaslini Hospital has confirmed that all 20 individuals affected by carbon monoxide poisoning are currently receiving medical care at the facility, with the most severe cases returning from San Martino. According to a statement from the hospital, all patients are stable and under continuous observation by healthcare professionals.
In a recent incident, a suspected carbon monoxide leak at a Marks & Spencer store in Charlton, southeast London, prompted a “major incident” declaration. Firefighters discovered elevated carbon monoxide levels in the building, resulting in 30 people being treated for chemical inhalation. While 11 were taken to the hospital for further evaluation, the remaining 19 were treated and discharged on-site. An internal investigation is underway to determine the cause of the leak.