28 fall ill after suspected food poisoning in Wokha

WOKHA, AUG 7 (NPN): At least 28 people reportedly fell ill after attending a birthday party in Wokha on August 3, prompting health authorities to investigate a suspected food-borne illness.
Those affected developed symptoms including loose watery stools, vomiting, nausea, fever, abdominal pain and headache within hours of consuming food served at the gathering.
According to autorotates at the Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital (DMMDH), the first patients arrived at around 9:50pm on August 3, about seven hours after the party, which began at around 9am.
A total of 21 patients were treated at the district hospital, including 19 who were admitted and two who received outpatient treatment. Hospital authorities said some patients had fever and hypotension along with abdominal pain and headache.
Based on their clinical condition and medical history, the cases were suspected to be food-borne in nature.
As of August 7, two patients remained admitted for treatment and observation, while 17 had been discharged. No deaths or referrals to other hospitals have been reported.
Seven other patients were treated at private healthcare facilities in Wokha—five at a private nursing home and two at a private hospital—and all have since been discharged.
Health officials said those affected had consumed common food items served at the gathering, including meat, dal, chickpeas, pickle and papad. The water source used during the event, along with meat, dal, pickle and chickpeas, has been identified for further examination, although authorities have not established which item was responsible for the illness.
Food samples have been collected by the directorate of health & family welfare (H&FW) for laboratory analysis, while DMMDH has informed the chief medical officer and the H&FW department about the incident.
Health authorities said the exact cause of the illness would be determined after laboratory test results become available. The incident has also highlighted the importance of food safety practices during community gatherings.