Report

A suspected food poisoning outbreak during the Perunkaliyattam festival at the Cheruthazham Kokkadu Muchilottu Temple in Payyanur, Kannur has left approximately 300 individuals seeking medical care. Over the last two days of the festival, attendees who consumed food from temporary stalls reported symptoms of foodborne illness.

Medical Response and Patient Updates

Health officials treated the affected individuals at Payyannur Taluk Hospital and private clinics over the weekend. While doctors hospitalized a few patients for closer monitoring, they discharged most attendees after providing immediate care. Medical teams reported symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea among those affected.

Suspected Sources of Contamination

Preliminary investigations revealed that attendees who consumed ice cream, fried snacks, and eggs from festival stalls experienced the symptoms. Officials suspect improper food handling, lack of hygiene, or contamination in the cooking process could have caused the outbreak.

Health Authorities Take Action

• Inspection of Food Stalls: Health department teams have begun inspecting the temporary stalls and collecting samples of the suspected food items for laboratory testing.
• Awareness Campaigns: Officials have advised the public to exercise caution while consuming food from unregulated sources, especially during large gatherings.
• Follow-Up Monitoring: Authorities are monitoring the situation to identify any delayed cases and ensure timely medical support.

This incident underscores the need for stricter regulations and monitoring of food safety standards at public events. Ensuring hygiene and quality control during festivals is crucial to prevent such outbreaks in the future.

Source: The Hindu