More than 70 attendees, including 30 children, became ill after participating in a community feast during a housewarming event in Balasore, Odisha, officials reported on Friday.
This incident took place in Kharida village, where the feast was organized on Thursday, according to news agency PTI. Following the event, many individuals who consumed the food and water began experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting on Friday.
Authorities suspect that the illnesses could be linked to contaminated food or water, and samples have been collected from the village for laboratory analysis to ascertain the cause.
Approximately 50 individuals exhibiting severe symptoms were admitted to Jaleswar hospital, while others received initial treatment. Hospital officials noted that all affected individuals reported similar symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting.
A medical team has been dispatched to Kharida village to oversee the situation and deliver necessary medical care, as stated by an official.
This outbreak follows two major suspected food poisoning cases reported earlier this year in other regions of the country.
The feast was part of a wedding celebration attended by guests from nearby Haivatpur Chaudharyan village, along with local residents. Shortly after consuming the meal, many began experiencing severe vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
The outbreak impacted individuals of all ages, including children, women, and elderly villagers, causing widespread concern as several attendees fell ill in quick succession.
More than two dozen patients sought treatment at local private hospitals and clinics, while many others received first aid. Health officials indicated that six patients were transferred to the district headquarters hospital in Sundargarh, and one critically ill individual was taken to VIMSAR, Burla, for specialized treatment. Additionally, reports of deaths emerged from both Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts, prompting the collection of food samples for further investigation.
