Bhubaneswar: Contrary to initial reports, Public Health Director Bijay Mohapatra clarified that the deaths of two women and the illness of five others at Mandipanka village in the Daringbadi block of Kandhamal were due to food poisoning, not the consumption of mango kernel as previously suspected.
The incident had sparked concerns, but Mohaptra’s statement ruled out the mango kernel as the cause, attributing the tragedy to contaminated food instead.
Mohapatra made this statement after the primary investigation report came today. He, however, made it clear by saying “Food and drink samples have been sent to the Food Safety Agency for testing. The report is expected within 72 hours, after which the actual cause of death will be clear. The ailing persons are still being treated”
Expressing concern over the incident, the State government has ordered a probe into the incident.
It is pertinent to mention that the two residents of Mandipanka village Ramita Patmajhi and Runu Majhi died after eating mango kernel. Ramita and Runu experienced severe stomach pain and frequent vomiting after eating the mango kernel and died. Two other women were initially admitted to Brahmanigaon Hospital after they experienced the same. As their condition worsened, they were transferred to MKCG Medical College Hospital in Berhampur. According to doctors, the condition of four other women admitted to the hospital remained stable, while one was critical.
