Over 120 treated for vomiting and diarrhoea after mahaprasad at Kharashi village in Bhandara

Several people complained of vomiting and diarrhoea after eating mahaprasad in Kharashi village of Lakhani taluka in Bhandara district, putting the health department on alert. Given the seriousness of the situation, the department started a special health camp in the village. About 120 patients had been treated by 1 pm on Wednesday.

The mahaprasad was organised for villagers on Tuesday at the Gayatri Mata temple in Kharashi. Food was arranged for about 700 to 800 people from 5 pm to 9 pm. Around the morning of the next day, some people began to suffer vomiting and diarrhoea. As their discomfort increased, people reached the health centre for treatment.

Since many people who ate at the same event showed similar symptoms, food poisoning is suspected. However, the exact cause of the incident is not yet clear. The reason for the poisoning can be determined only after the results of the sample tests arrive.

On receiving information, the medical officer of the Murmadi primary health centre, medical officers of nearby health centres, health workers (male and female) and ASHA volunteers reached Kharashi. A special camp was set up in the village, where the affected people were examined and given medicines.

Of the 120 patients, 21 were admitted and treated at the health camp set up at the gram panchayat office. Nine patients were referred to the rural hospital at Palandur. The remaining patients were given the necessary medicines and sent home. According to information available, about 50 patients are admitted at the rural hospital, Palandur. Among them are three pregnant women, who were sent to the District General Hospital in Bhandara for further treatment. Patients with serious symptoms have been sent to Bhandara for further treatment.

Samples of food, water and patients have been taken to find the cause. Health workers and ASHA volunteers are conducting a house-to-house survey so that any newly affected people can get treatment immediately.

District Health Officer Dr Nitin Kapse and District Surgeon Dr Sandeepkumar Gajbhiye visited Kharashi village and the rural hospital at Palandur to review the situation. After taking stock of the treatment of admitted patients, they gave the medical officers and staff concerned the necessary instructions. District Communicable Disease Officer Dr Shrikant Ambekar and District Extension and Media Officer Anil Bankar are also monitoring the situation in the village. Emphasis is being laid on coordination among the health department's various teams for tracing the affected, treatment and further preventive measures.

Sakoli Assembly constituency MLA Nanabhau Patole and Legislative Council member Avinash Brahmankar also visited Kharashi and the rural hospital at Palandur to take stock of the situation. They took information on the treatment of patients and the health department's measures.