Around 60 hospitalised after suspected food poisoning in Dima Hasao

Haflong, August 11: At least 60 people from Lasang village near Mahur in Dima Hasao district have been hospitalised following a suspected outbreak of food poisoning after a community programme held in the village on Saturday.

According to sources, the villagers had consumed pork during the community programme. By the following day, several people began developing symptoms including diarrhoea, nausea, fever and headache. They were subsequently admitted to Mahur Primary Health Centre (PHC), other nearby health facilities and Haflong Civil Hospital.

On Tuesday, around 15 more people from Lasang village, suffering from similar symptoms, were admitted to Haflong Civil Hospital after their condition failed to improve.

Two elderly patients are currently under observation in the ICU at Haflong Civil Hospital. However, doctors said their condition is stable.

While food poisoning is suspected to be the cause, some villagers have also raised concerns about possible contamination of drinking water. The area experienced heavy rainfall on the day of the community programme, which may have affected local water sources.

Villagers also pointed out that not everyone who consumed the same food developed symptoms, prompting concerns over whether contaminated water or another source could be responsible for the illness.

Dr S. Nampui, who attended to some of the affected patients, said the pattern of symptoms was suggestive of food poisoning. Further investigation may be required to ascertain the exact cause of the illness.

The incident have raise concern over safety of livestock for consumption, while some suggest for testing and certification by competent authority to prevents such case in future