Report

A suspected food poisoning outbreak at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Erragadda, Hyderabad, killed a 33-year-old patient, Karnan, and sickened 92 others. The patients fell ill after eating a sweet dish, paramannam (rice pudding made with rice, milk, and jaggery), served during Telangana Formation Day celebrations on June 2. Doctors initially attributed Karnan’s death to cardiac arrest, but later confirmed that acute gastroenteritis caused it.

Sweet Dish Sickens Dozens; One Patient Dies

After consuming the paramannam, 92 of the 318 inpatients showed symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea. Medical teams quickly responded, shifting 18 patients to Osmania General Hospital (OGH) for further treatment. The remaining 74 received supportive care at IMH, including fluids, electrolytes, and antibiotics.

Minister Links Outbreak to Sweets

Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha, who visited the hospital on Wednesday, stated that the sweet dish was likely the cause of the outbreak. He ruled out water contamination based on preliminary test results, which showed the water was 95% safe. He added that the government has sent stool and blood samples for further laboratory testing to confirm the exact cause.

Government Acts Swiftly: Staff and Caterer Removed

Authorities terminated the diet services contract with contractor G Jaipal Reddy, citing gross negligence and breach of contract. The Director of Medical Education relieved Deputy Civil Surgeon and Resident Medical Officer Dr. D Padmaja from her duties. Health Secretary Christina Z Chongthu appointed Dr. B Shankar from OGH as the new in-charge RMO. Officials assigned temporary food services to the nearby Chest Hospital to ensure continued patient care.

Hospital Launches Probe and Enforces Safety Measures

The IMH formed a committee to investigate the source of contamination and examine any lapses in food safety. Officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) collected food and water samples for bacteriological analysis. Meanwhile, six medical teams from different health departments continue to monitor the condition of all affected patients.

Source: The Economic Times