Several people seriously ill after suspected poisoning at Markham restaurant

York Region Public Health is investigating an incident that left several people seriously ill and in hospital after dining at a restaurant in Markham over the weekend.

York Region’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Barry Pakes, tells CityNews that the eatery currently being investigated is Delight Restaurant & BBQ at Markham Road and Castlemore.

Dr. Pakes said the restaurant had been closed, noting that staff and owners are cooperating with the public health unit. It’s unclear how many patrons fell ill after eating at the restaurant.

“At this time, we cannot confirm the number of individuals hospitalized or the potential cause of the severe illness,” Dr. Pakes said. 

The public health unit advised that anyone who ate food from Delight Restaurant & BBQ on Saturday, August 27, or Sunday, August 28, who is experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention.

“This includes individuals who had dine-in, takeout and delivery; please throw out any leftovers or takeout from the restaurant,” Dr. Pakes said.

“Individuals can also contact Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to report their symptoms.”

York Regional Police (YRP) confirmed with CityNews that an incident occurred in Markham on Sunday night where multiple people were taken to a hospital.

Markham resident “concerned” after news of public health investigation

One man whose family frequents the restaurants says his 12-year-old son consumed a chicken dish from Delight Restaurant & BBQ on Sunday, telling reporters that he’s searching for answers following news of the public health investigation.

“I am concerned. That’s why I wanted to know,” he said on Monday outside the Markham restaurant. “I was trying to find out what it is [that happened]. I didn’t know why to reach out to.”

The man says he and his family eat at the restaurant around once a month. That included a recent visit on Sunday when his son ordered and ate chicken, which is believed to be the meal that sickened the diners.

“I guess I have to wait and watch my son if he’s feeling sick,” he said. “If it’s something toxic like they said, I’d want to bring my son right into emergency.”

Dr. David Juurlink with Sunnybrook Health Services tweeted that he heard of the reports, noting that it involved Aconite (Aconitum), which he described as a highly toxic alkaloid.

Aconitum is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe and Asia, with many species considered highly poisonous. Aconite, which goes by several nicknames, including the ominously titled “Queen of Poisons,” is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Aconitine and other alkaloids found in aconite are highly toxic. Similar toxins are found in the venom of certain poisonous snakes. Photo: Nature and Garden.

Aconite is also referred to as wolf’s bane. Historically, shepherds used raw meat laced with the plant to bait and kill wolves as it affects the cardiovascular and central nervous systems.

Dr. Juurlink said that symptoms are brought on quickly once ingested, which include nausea, vomiting and cramping. Numbness to the face is common, along with muscle weakness, and, in severe cases, the patient could fall into a coma.

Aconite poisoning is considered life-threatening.

“[The] bottom line is, Aconite is bad news,” Dr. Juurlink tweeted.

“Immediate medical attention is critical [and] treatment is mainly supportive. When in doubt or when managing these patients, contact your local Poison Centre immediately.”