A 37-year-old woman is now dead and three members of her family are hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after they reportedly consumed cassava that is suspected to be contaminated with pesticides.
The deceased has been identified as Selena Thomas. She died today at the GPHC.
The Guyana Standard has been informed that the family is from Wakapoa village in the Pomeroon River. The deceased, her husband, father-in-law and brother, fell ill sometime last week, shortly after eating a meal made with the cassava grown in their backyard.
The family visited the heath centre in their village and they were transferred to the Suddie Public Hospital. They were subsequently sent to the GPHC where the 37-year-old woman succumbed. Her relatives are said to be in a stable condition.
It is suspected that the cassava might have been contaminated by pesticides. Officers from both the Ministry of Agriculture and Education are expected to visit the village and carry out some tests on the produce.
