57 Girls Hospitalized in Ahmedabad After Suspected Food Poisoning Outbreak
A suspected food poisoning incident at a community-run hostel in Ahmedabad has resulted in a significant public health scare, with 57 girls requiring urgent medical attention. The girls were rushed to Sterling Hospital in Memnagar on Sunday after complaining of severe symptoms, including diarrhoea and vomiting.
Hospital Admissions and Discharges
Officials at Sterling Hospital confirmed that 18 girls with serious symptoms remain admitted for further observation and treatment. The rest of the affected individuals were discharged after receiving outpatient department (OPD)-based care. However, they have been instructed to closely monitor their health for any complications over the next 24 hours and report back if symptoms worsen.
Official Statements and Investigation
Dr Bhavin Solanki, the medical officer of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), provided details on the situation. He stated that the 57 girls were from a Patel community hostel that houses approximately 900 residents. "As of Sunday evening, 18 girls are hospitalized, while the rest have been discharged after OPD-based treatment," Dr Solanki said. He added that the girls study in various standards and colleges and had consumed food from different sources, but samples have been collected from the hostel mess for thorough analysis to identify the cause of the outbreak.
Food Items Under Scrutiny
Sources revealed that the hospitalized girls reported consuming a range of food items in the days leading up to the incident. These included panipuri, dabeli, khichdi, idada, sev khamni, and similar snacks. The variety of foods consumed has complicated the investigation, but authorities are focusing on the hostel mess as a potential source.
Medical Condition and Precautions
Dr Sudhir, the medical superintendent of Sterling Hospital, assured that all admitted girls are currently in stable condition. "They reported a history of severe diarrhoea and vomiting-nausea over the last 24 hours. Some had developed symptoms on Saturday, which worsened on Sunday," he explained. Even those discharged were given anti-diarrhoeal medicines and advised to vigilantly monitor their health.
Ongoing Public Health Measures
In response to the outbreak, additional girls from the same hostel premises have since reported similar symptoms. As a precautionary measure, a medical team will examine them at the hostel to prevent further spread and ensure timely intervention. This step underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident to safeguard community health.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation continues to investigate the source of the contamination, with results from the food samples expected to guide future actions and prevent similar occurrences.
