Queensland Health is investigating after five people were hospitalised with symptoms of ingesting rat poison in the South East.

Chief Health Officer Catherine McDougall said authorities were working to determine the source.

"Five individuals presented in the last week, from a similar geographical area, with symptoms consistent with brodifacoum poisoning," she said.

"Thankfully, all are fine and receiving treatment.

" Clinicians have been asked to monitor for presentations with similar symptoms. This is routine when patterns in patient presentations are identified. "

Brodifacoum is commonly found in rat poison and reduces vitamin K, which is essential for blood to clot.

It can cause bleeding if ingested by humans, such as bleeding gums, easy bruising and blood in urine or stool.

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