TIRANA, July 8 -- Mass poisoning has occurred in Bulqiza, a town in northeastern Albania, according to local media reports on Monday.

More than 80 people were poisoned by an unidentified substance in Bulqiza on Sunday, and people with symptoms still appeared at hospital on Monday, reports said.

The poisoning was first reported on Saturday, and patients usually had symptoms of abdominal pain, vomiting and weakness.

Local authorities suspected water contamination as the cause. However, in sample tests no bacterial contamination was found. The investigation into the cause is still underway.

  - Xinhua