Maharashtra: 200 in Buldhana fall sick after consuming contaminated prasad

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Approximately 200 people were suspected of having food poisoning after eating 'prasad' during a religious function in Lonar, Buldhana district, Maharashtra. District collector Kiran Patil reported that the event occurred on Tuesday night during the 'Harinam Saptah' religious programme in Somthana village.

According to a report in PTI. following the intake of the 'prasad', roughly 142 locals were admitted to the rural hospital in Bibi, 20 were transported to Lonar, and 35 patients sought care at a clinic in Mehkar. Fortunately, the patients' conditions remained stable, and the majority were discharged on Wednesday, according to Patil.

"Around 200 villagers complained of nausea and vomiting after consuming prasad during the function. While 142 of them were admitted to the rural hospital at Bibi, 20 others in Lonar and 35 patients to a facility in Mehkar," Patil told PTI.

In reaction to the incident, a team of doctors has been stationed in the community, together with an ambulance and all essential medical equipment, to handle any potential medical issues. Additionally, samples of the 'prasad' have been sent to a laboratory for analysis, and an investigation into the incident will be launched, according to the collector, reported PTI.

"Samples of prasad have been sent to a laboratory for analysis and an inquiry will be initiated," the collector said.

In a similar incident, nearly 16 children between ages 11-12 from Mumbai's civic-run school were admitted to a hospital after they fell ill following consumption of a mid-day meal at the school in Chembur. Reportedly, of the 16, two were put on IV fluids and antiemetics.

Reportedly, the meals were supplied by one firm named Shantai Mahila Udyogic Co-operative Society. The students began showing symptoms around 10:20 am, nearly 30 minutes after they had consumed the food. Initially, only three students of 16 had begun vomiting, soon followed by others being nauseous and throwing up.

A similar case had previously happened in a school in Sangli. Nearly 160 students of the government-aided residential school/ashram school had to be hospitalised for suspected food poisoning. The students were in the age group of five to 15 years, stated a media report.