Cuttack: As many as 18 children fell ill after allegedly consuming contaminated ice cream during a religious event at Kumusara village under Banki tehsil in Cuttack district on Monday. The children were rushed to the Banki sub-divisional hospital, where they were treated and later discharged after their condition stabilised.
The incident occurred during an ‘Astaprahari’ festival being held in the village. According to reports, an ice-cream vendor was selling ice cream at the venue, which was purchased and consumed by several children. Within a short time, the children complained of uneasiness, irritation in the mouth and other symptoms, triggering panic among villagers.
Family members and locals immediately shifted the affected children to the Banki sub-divisional hospital for medical attention. Meanwhile, villagers detained the ice-cream vendor and informed the local police.
Doctors at the hospital said the children suffered from infection and inflammation of the tongue, likely caused by consumption of contaminated food.
“Their condition was not serious. They were treated with B-complex medicines and curd, and all are expected to recover fully within six to twelve hours,” said the medical officer of the Banki sub-divisional hospital.
The doctor added that contaminated ice cream can be a potential source of gastroenteritis or typhoid. Samples of the ice cream have been collected and sent for laboratory examination to ascertain the exact cause of the illness.
