As many as 18 children fell ill after consuming ice cream during a religious event at Kumusara village under Banki tehsil in Cuttack district on Monday.
First, the children purchased ice cream from a vendor at the venue of the ongoing Astaprahari festival. Soon after eating, they complained of uneasiness, irritation in the mouth, and other symptoms, which triggered panic among villagers.
Next, family members and locals rushed the affected children to the Banki sub-divisional hospital. Doctors treated them immediately, and their condition stabilised. Later, all were discharged.
Meanwhile, villagers detained the ice-cream vendor and informed the police. Authorities collected samples of the ice cream and sent them for laboratory examination to determine the cause of contamination.
Doctors explained that the children suffered from infection and inflammation of the tongue, likely due to contaminated food. They added that such food can cause gastroenteritis or typhoid. “Their condition was not serious. They were treated with B-complex medicines and curd, and all are expected to recover fully within six to twelve hours,” said the medical officer of Banki hospital.
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