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Thirty-five elementary pupils of a school in Mabini, Bohol in central Philippines, died of food poisoning Wednesday and a 100 were hospitalised in a serious condition, report agencies.
The local television network ABS-CBN News said the toll is likely to rise as San Jose Elementary School officials claimed most of their 476 pupils complained of severe stomach ache after eating sweetened cassava earlier in the day. Many were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Doctors at a hospital in Tagbilaran City said they admitted five children Wednesday morning, while two were declared dead on arrival.
Dr. Elpidio Bonita in Ubay town's hospital said 69 children had been admitted, while seven died before arrival.
At Garcia Memorial Hospital, 45 children were admitted. Six are reported to be "under serious condition" while the rest were "under observation."
Doctors said the children died of cyanide poisoning. Cyanide is produced by the digestive system after eating raw cassava.