An outbreak of suspected food poisoning led to the sudden death of an Argentinean visitor in Jamaica. The deceased was part of a group from the countries of United States, Japan, Italy, and Jamaica who were staying at a villa in the parish of St. Mary. They ate a meal of fish and potato salad. Following the meal all became extremely ill. One of the other tourists was rumored to be in critical condition; ten were hospitalized. The autopsy of the decedent suggested that ingestion of saltpetre (sodium nitrate) led to the illnesses. The decedent reportedly purchased the saltpetre earlier in the day and used it to prepare the meal. It was thought that he may have confused it for table salt. Consuming saltpetre reduces the ability of hemoglobin to carry oxygen; it can chemically burn the upper respiratory tract if inhaled. The decedent's throat was badly burned. Saltpetre is used to cure meats, but should be used only in precisely measured, small amounts.