Dibrugarh: As many as 58 people have fallen ill after consuming prasad at a birthday party in Gali Migang village under Jonai sub-division of Dhemaji district. Symptoms consistent with food poisoning surfaced two days after the event, forcing authorities to shift the patients to Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh.The party was held on Tuesday, but the affected persons began showing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and severe dehydration only on Thursday evening. They were initially to the primary health centre (PHC) in Jonai but were referred to AMCH the same night due to the number of cases. With ambulances unable to accommodate all patients, a bus was arranged to take them to Dibrugarh.The patients belong to four villages — Gali Migang, Sikari, Borbali and Laleet. Of the 58 patients, 21 are men and 37 women, including 11 children. AMCH doctors said five patients remain in critical condition and are under observation in the ICU, while the rest are stated to be out of danger.Jonai MLA Bhubon Pegu visited AMCH on Friday morning to take stock of the situation. Speaking to reporters after his visit, Pegu said the govt would ensure the affected families receive proper treatment and support.“I have personally visited the hospital and spoken to the doctors. All possible medical assistance is being provided to the patients, and we are closely monitoring the condition of those who are critical,” he said. He added that authorities were working to establish the exact cause of the contamination. “Samples of the prasad have been collected and sent for testing. Once the report comes in, we will be able to determine the cause,” he said.Health officials said samples of the contaminated prasad have been collected from the site and sent for laboratory testing to determine the cause of the food poisoning. Preliminary suspicion is contamination during preparation or storage of the food item, though officials said confirmation would depend on test results.Local residents said the incident triggered panic across the four villages as families rushed to check on relatives who attended the party.
Jonai MLA Bhubon Pegu visits the patients at AMCH
