Authorities in northern Peru’s Alto Amazonas province have sent a team of health professionals to provide medical attention for residents in the district of Balsapuerto where there have been reports of poisoning from consuming contaminated water and food.
The team will include doctors, nurses and biologists to investigate the cause of poisoning, the director of Alto Amazonas’ health network, Fernando Fernandez, told state news agency Andina.
Authorities have received reports of poisoning since August 24. At least 33 people have been reported ill and two children have died, Fernandez said.
Authorities believe the residents have become ill due to eating fish or drinking water that was contaminated by varbasco, a plant which has toxins and is also used by artisan fishermen.
