Five people have been hospitalised over suspected rat poisoning in Logan.
Queensland Health and police are investigating the source of the poisoning, but say no link or source has been identified so far.
The five people, including a child, presented to Logan Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Queensland Children’s Hospital last week.
The state’s health authority says all five patients had symptoms consistent with Brodifacoum poisoning.
Brodifacoum is the active ingredient in rat poison that inhibits Vitamin K, which is essential for blood to clot.
It can cause bleeding-related complications if ingested.
According to Queensland Health, it is not known how much Brodifacoum needs to be ingested to make a person sick, with amounts varying person to person.
However, historical cases suggest a “significant amount of bait” would need to be in food to cause poisoning.
“Thankfully all [five patients] are well and receiving treatment,” chief health officer Catherine McDougal said.
“Investigations are underway to try and determine a link to or source of the poisoning. No link or source has been identified so far.
“Clinicians have been asked to monitor for presentations with similar symptoms.
“This is routine when patterns in patient presentations are identified, so there is nothing for the community to be alarmed about at this time.”
While some media reports have suggested the poisoning came from a takeaway outlet in the city, Queensland Health has said it would be incorrect to assume so while investigations are ongoing.
“Queensland Health will notify the community if there is a risk to public health,” Dr McDougal said.
“I encourage anyone with concerns about their health to see their doctor, present to the emergency department or contact 13 43 25.”
