Three Inmates Die at Kochi Care Home Amid Suspected Food Poisoning Incident
Health officials in Kochi reported a tragic incident at a care home in Kadavoor, Paingottoor panchayat near Kothamangalam. Three inmates died during the last week of December 2025. Authorities initially suspected food poisoning as the cause.
Deaths and Symptoms Reported
Two inmates passed away on December 27, 2025. A third inmate died two days later on December 29. At least 22 other residents of the care home experienced symptoms like fever and diarrhoea around the same time. This cluster of illnesses raised immediate concerns among health workers.
Lab Tests Show No Evidence of Contamination
The health department conducted laboratory tests following the deaths. These tests focused on stool samples from one of the deceased inmates. Officials also examined samples from two other hospitalized inmates. All results came back negative for pathogens. No disease-causing organisms were detected in any of the samples.
Water samples from the care home's well were tested as well. These samples fell within permissible safety limits. The findings presented a puzzling situation for investigators.
Officials Point to Possible Food Poisoning Despite Negative Results
Dr. Sheeja, the Ernakulam district medical officer, addressed the contradictory evidence. "We could not identify pathogens in the stool samples," she stated. "Still, we believe the deaths may be linked to food poisoning. Twenty-two inmates showed symptoms consistent with foodborne illness."
Dr. Sheeja noted that the deceased inmates had pre-existing health conditions. They also suffered from psychiatric issues. These factors may have complicated their medical situations.
Delayed Notification Hindered Sample Collection
Officials from the Paingottoor family health centre revealed a critical delay. They received notification only after the first two deaths had occurred. This late reporting limited opportunities for comprehensive sample collection.
"We could not collect samples from the first two inmates who died," a health official explained. "For the third death, we tested stool samples but they returned negative for pathogens."
Christmas Celebrations Under Scrutiny
Health authorities suspect food brought from outside the care home may have caused the illnesses. This food was part of Christmas celebrations. The timing of the symptoms aligns with this theory.
Ongoing Surveillance and Further Testing
Health department surveillance continues at the care home facility. Officials plan to collect fresh water samples for a second round of testing. This additional testing aims to rule out any overlooked contamination sources.
The investigation remains active as health workers monitor the situation closely. They seek to prevent any further incidents at the care home.
