Mass food poisoning in Budapest: dozens hospitalised – UPDATE: Almost 500 affected

Nearly 50 children have been hospitalised in Budapest on suspicion of mass food poisoning, most of them from nurseries and schools in the 13th district. The Heim Pál National Paediatric Institute has confirmed that the children were admitted with vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration, and several required intravenous treatment. According to the hospital, all affected children are currently in stable condition, and care is continuing without interruption.

How was the food poisoning detected?

By Thursday afternoon and evening, several parents reported that their children had fallen ill after eating their nursery or school lunch. According to a report by Telex, one of the affected institutions may be the Futár Street nursery in Budapest’s 13th district, although children from other districts have also been admitted with similar symptoms.

One affected parent, Judit, said that her son began vomiting during the night. Because they managed to replace the lost fluids at home, he did not need hospital treatment. However, several of his classmates were taken to the Heim Pál hospital.

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Statement from the Heim Pál hospital

The hospital says the situation is under control, Pénzcentrum wrote. So far:

• 47 children aged between 1 and 14 have been treated;
• most of them received intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration;
• care is being provided smoothly at both the Üllői Road and Madarász Street sites;
• capacity can be increased if necessary.

The hospital reassured parents, stating:

“Our doctors and nurses are doing everything to ensure the children recover as quickly as possible.”

What should parents do if their child becomes unwell?

Experts highlight that dehydration can be particularly dangerous in young children. Parents are advised to:

• Give fluids frequently, in small sips – ideally water, lightly sweetened tea or oral rehydration solution.
• Continue breastfeeding if the child is breastfed.
• Provide a light, low-fat diet during recovery.
• Ensure the child rests and stays at home, away from community settings.

Immediate medical attention is required if the child is unable to drink, passes blood in the stool, becomes extremely weak or drowsy, or shows little to no urine output.

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Cause of the food poisoning under investigation

Telex has contacted the local council in the 13th district, the National Ambulance Service and the National Public Health Centre. An investigation is currently underway. For now, it is not yet known which meal or ingredient may have triggered the mass illness.

What to expect in the coming days

The hospital continues to receive new cases. Experts say most children should recover within a few days, provided they rest and receive adequate fluids.

UPDATE: 470 people are affected

A joint statement was issued by the National Public Health and Medical Centre (NNGYK), the National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih), the Budapest Capital Government Office, and the Pest County Government Office. The statement reads:

after Thursday’s lunch, a total of 470 people were infected in kindergartens and schools in the 13th district, presumably from the lunch prepared by the public catering company supplying these institutions.

An official investigation has been launched into the suspected case of food poisoning, according to Telex.