PERAK, MALAYSIA, MASS POISONING - TALE OF THE 9 EMPEROR GODS AND RAT TAIL NOODLES

In October 1988, a series of food poisoning cases occurred in the State of Perak in Malaysia. Most of the victims were children. Ultimately 13 children between the ages of 2.5 and 11 years died. Epidemiological investigations showed that the probable source of the poison was Loh See Fun, a noodle in the shape of a rat's tail. All the deceased ate the noodles from one supplier. Clinical and pathological findings were similar in each case. Postmortem examination was performed in 11 cases. Toxicological examination on organs in 10 cases showed a high concentration of aflatoxin in tissues of the deceased. High levels of boric acid were excreted from most of the victims. Histological examination of the liver in these cases showed necrotic changes found in aflatoxin poisoning. Combination of the epidemiological, clinical, toxicological, and pathological findings pointed to the fact that there was a common toxin or toxins responsible for the deaths. These were thought to be a combination of boric acid and aflatoxin.