At least 58 people, including 27 children, were hospitalised after allegedly falling ill from consuming a local delicacy in Odisha's Jajpur district, police said on Saturday. The incident occurred in Patapur village under Dasarathapur block on Friday evening.
According to police, the affected individuals had eaten 'Cuttack Dahibara' sold by a local vendor and later complained of vomiting and fever, as reported by news agency PTI. They were admitted to the Dasarathapur Community Health Centre and the Jajpur District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.
Government Response
Jajpur district collector Ambar Kumar Kar said that 21 patients have been discharged after receiving treatment. State health and family welfare minister Mukesh Mahaling visited the District Headquarters Hospital in Jajpur and reviewed the condition of those undergoing treatment.
"As many as 58 people, including 27 children, were admitted to the hospital. Preliminary reports suggest it was due to consumption of 'dahibara'. We have collected the food and water samples and sent those for testing," he told reporters.
Later, in a post on X, he said, "Today, the Jajpur District Collector visited the District Headquarters Hospital, met with the patients undergoing treatment there, and inquired about their health condition."
Investigation Underway
The minister said the state government has formed three separate teams to investigate the incident. "The government is also taking necessary steps to ensure that the sick individuals under treatment receive the best possible medical care," Mahaling added.
The affected individuals are currently stable, and health officials are monitoring their condition. The food and water samples have been sent for laboratory analysis to determine the exact cause of the illness.
This incident has raised concerns about food safety and hygiene practices among street vendors in the region. Local authorities have urged vendors to adhere to strict hygiene standards to prevent such occurrences in the future.
