Updated | Muscat suffering from ‘impaired vision’ after hospitalisation

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was hospitalised earlier last night, suffering from "acute pain" to both his eyes - the OPM said in a statement.

His condition is improving but latest updates have confirmed that the prime minister is suffering from "impaired vision" and currently unable to see clearly.

It is thought that the incident was caused by unfiltered UV lights which eminated from the lighting system used during the event. Persons wearing spectacles and sunglasses with UV protection in fact were unharmed.

Muscat was kept under observation for four hours and then sent home.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to @JosephMuscat_JM, Labour MP's and activists who fell ill after Labour's political activity in Zurrieq.

— Simon Busuttil (@SimonBusuttil) April 7, 2014

"He has been told to rest for a few days," the OPM said.

In a statement issued this morning, the Nationalist Party wished the Prime Minister and all other persons affected by the incident, including MPs and Labour activists, a speedy recovery.

In a similar statement, the Labour Party also wished a speedy recovery to its leader and other persons affected.

“The Labour Party is looking closely at what could have caused the incident,” the party said while noting that a magisterial inquiry in underway.

The government also said that 32 other people present for a political activity in Zurrieq suffered the same symptoms and were also hospitalised. However, this morning more persons reported to hospital and health centres suffering from the same symptoms, taking the total number to around 40.

Among these were minister Edward Zammit Lewis and parliamentary secretaries Michael Falzon and Chris Fearne.

A magisterial inquiry is underway and police are investigating video footage of the event.

Writing on his Facebook wall, ophthalmologist and former parliamentary secretary Franco Mercieca urged persons suffering from any pain to report to Mater Dei. He also called for an end to the speculation over the cause of the incident, adding that people should “let the police do their job.”