Bargarh: At least 18 persons fell sick with symptoms of food poisoning after eating food at a community feast at a village in Paikmal area of Odisha’s Bargarh district.
The incident was reported from Kuapali village under Paikmal block of the district. The feast was held as part of a post-cremation ritual on Friday and people from some neighbouring villages were served food on the occasion. However, several of those who attended the event later complained of vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea.
Sources said that around 18 people have so far been referred to the sub-divisional hospital at Padampur for treatment.
Following the development, a medical team led by a senior doctor along with community health officer, ANM, ASHA and Anganwadi workers rushed to the village and initiated a door-to-door health screening and treatment.
Chief district medical officer (CDMO) of Bargarh Dr Kubera Chandra Mahanta, along with senior health officials, also visited the village on Saturday. The team distributed medicines to 161 families and advised residents to drink boiled water, and avoid stale food.
Health workers also collected samples of drinking water and leftover food for laboratory analysis. The samples have been sent to Bhubaneswar for testing to identify the cause of illness.
A temporary health centre has been opened at Kuapali Anganwadi centre where some patients are stated to be under observation. The camp will continue for the next eight days.
Sources said some more cases were also reported from neighbouring villages of Dunguripali, Bhagatpur and Banamal.
The situation is being closely monitored and necessary steps are being taken to contain the outbreak, officials said.
