HASTINGS, Mich. — The Barry-Eaton District Health Department said additional testing has confirmed that the natural poison ricin was found at the Tyden Lofts apartment complex and Corewell Health Pennock Hospital's emergency department in Hastings last week.
The health department learned of the exposure Thursday.
First responders evacuated the apartment building, and the American Red Cross set up a shelter for displaced residents. At Corewell Health Pennock Hospital, staff isolated a patient who arrived with the substance.
On Saturday, health officials said response teams are now in the sampling phase at Tyden Lofts to determine whether ricin is present and if additional actions are necessary. Residents are being told not to return to Tyden Lofts until they are notified it is safe.
In the meantime, officials say they have been providing pets with food and water and working to safely remove them.
Officials say the affected areas are contained and there is no threat to the public.
The FBI and Michigan State Police are now investigating.
According to health officials, ricin comes from the beans of the castor plant or castor oil. The natural poison is harmful if swallowed, breathed in or injected. Exposure can happen if someone encounters another person with ricin on their body, clothes or it can be spread in the form of fine powder in the air.
Symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Cough
- Nausea
- Tightness in the chest
- Heavy sweating
- Fluid buildup in lungs
- Blue skin
- Low blood pressure
- Respiratory failure
Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to ricin should take their clothes off and put them in multiple sealed bags. They should wash their body with soap and water and seek medical care quickly.
There is no treatment for ricin. Supportive therapy is used by healtchcare professionals to minimize discomfort.
Testing has been offered to residents and employees of Tyden Lofts and first responders, according to officials.
The health department said it would continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
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