FoodPoisoning – Over 100 Fall Sick After Maha Shivratri Feast in Bihar

FoodPoisoning – More than 100 residents of a village in Bihar’s Khagaria district, including several children, were taken ill after reportedly consuming prasad distributed during Maha Shivratri celebrations. Health officials confirmed on Wednesday that all affected individuals are now stable and out of danger.

The incident occurred late Tuesday night in Nayagaon Panchkhutti hamlet, which falls under the jurisdiction of Parbatta police station. As word spread that many villagers were experiencing vomiting and stomach discomfort, anxiety gripped the community and families rushed to seek medical assistance.

Sudden Illness After Religious Gathering

According to local authorities, the prasad had been distributed as part of customary rituals marking Maha Shivratri. Soon after consuming the offering, a large number of villagers began showing symptoms commonly associated with foodborne illness, including nausea, abdominal pain and weakness.

Panchayat head Ram Vinay Kumar was informed about the situation and immediately contacted the medical officer in charge of the nearby Community Health Centre (CHC). Recognizing the urgency, a medical team was dispatched to the village without delay.

Emergency Medical Camp Set Up

Doctors and healthcare workers arrived during the night and established a temporary health camp within the premises of the Kali temple, where the religious event had taken place. The move ensured that patients could receive prompt evaluation and treatment close to their homes.

Medical Officer In-charge Kashish stated that the symptoms and preliminary assessments pointed toward food poisoning linked to the prasad. He noted that timely intervention helped prevent complications. “All patients were given the required medication and observation. Their condition is stable and there is no immediate threat to life,” he said.

Healthcare staff administered oral rehydration solutions and other supportive treatments to manage dehydration and discomfort. The swift coordination between village representatives and medical authorities played a key role in containing the situation.

Children Referred for Further Care

While most patients responded well to initial treatment at the camp, a few children who exhibited more severe symptoms were referred to a hospital in Parbatta for closer monitoring. Officials later confirmed that these children are also recovering.

Local administration sources indicated that an inquiry may be conducted to determine how the contamination occurred. However, no official statement has yet been released regarding the exact cause of the suspected food poisoning.

Call for Greater Hygiene Awareness

Doctors attending the camp used the opportunity to advise residents about maintaining hygiene during large gatherings, particularly when food is prepared and distributed to many people. They stressed the importance of clean water, proper storage of ingredients and safe cooking practices to reduce the risk of contamination.

Health officials also encouraged community leaders to coordinate with local health departments when organizing large-scale events. Preventive steps, they said, can significantly reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.

The situation in Nayagaon Panchkhutti has since returned to normal, with villagers expressing relief that the outcome was not more serious. Authorities continue to monitor the health of those affected as a precautionary measure.

Maha Shivratri, a major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, often involves fasting, prayers and the sharing of prasad among devotees. While such gatherings are generally peaceful, officials say adherence to food safety guidelines is essential to safeguard public health.