Food poisoning: Over 100 ill after consuming 'pana' in Dhenkanal

Dhenkanal: As many as 100 persons have been taken ill in a suspected case of food poisoning at Cheliabeda village under Odapada block in Dhenkanal district today.

According to reports, people had consumed pana (a traditional summer drink) during ‘Sanischar mela’ in the village on Saturday last. Later, people started complaining of acute pain in abdomen with vomiting and loose motion.

It is suspected that the local drink might have been contaminated while further investigation has started into the incident to ascertain the exact cause.

All the affected patients have been admitted to Odapada health centre where their condition is said to have improved after preliminary treatment.

“The ADMO and Odapada Medical Officer along with their team and field officials are taking stock of the situation. The ones who are critical will be shifted to hospital after further monitoring their condition,” Dhenkanal CDMO Bidyutlata Mishra said.