Cuttack: More than 42 persons fell ill with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea after consuming food at the first death anniversary feast of a prominent local resident at Kalapathar village under Baideswar police limits in Banki.
The incident occurred during the annual memorial feast organised by the family of the deceased.
According to reports, over 42 villagers were affected after eating the contaminated food. As of now, more than 27 patients have been admitted to Kalapathar Primary Health Centre for treatment. Many others who consumed the poisonous meal are undergoing treatment at their homes instead of visiting medical facilities.
A medical team from the local health centre has reached the village to assess the situation and provide necessary care.
Meanwhile, health workers have initiated sanitisation measures by sprinkling bleaching powder in the area and are distributing ORS packets to the affected families. Health officials fear that the number of patients suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea may increase further in the coming hours. In response, an eight-member special team from the Subarnapur Community Health Centre has arrived at the spot to monitor the situation.
Preliminary investigation by the medical team has confirmed that the mass food poisoning was caused by the consumption of contaminated food served during the community feast.
The exact cause of the contamination is yet to be ascertained, and further investigation is underway.
