More than 150 people have fallen ill after consuming a wedding feast in Diplung, Jantedhunga Rural Municipality–6 of Khotang district. Food poisoning is suspected as the cause of the illness.
According to Vice-Chairperson of the rural municipality, Khem Khadka, a temporary medical camp has been set up at the home of local resident Ram Kumar Rai in Nigalabas Bhanjyang, Diplung, to provide treatment to the affected people.
Local residents who attended the wedding feast on Magh 21 began falling ill from the evening of Magh 22. Symptoms such as fever, chills, and diarrhea appeared around 12 hours after consuming the food. Even the bride and groom have been reported ill.
For treatment, a Rapid Response Team (RRT) from the rural municipality’s health section, along with staff from the Health Office and elected representatives, has been mobilized. As the number of patients increased, additional health workers and medicines were requested from the Health Office, Khadka said.
After patients began seeking treatment in large numbers, the rural municipality arranged centralized treatment at Nigalabas Bhanjyang starting from Magh 23. According to the municipality, most of the people who ate the wedding feast have fallen ill.
Some patients are reported to be in serious condition. While many have returned home after receiving treatment, 35 patients are currently undergoing treatment with saline, oral rehydration solution, and other medicines.
Vice-Chairperson Khadka also stated that guests who returned to Udayapur, Kathmandu, and other places after the wedding feast have reportedly fallen ill.
Health Office Khotang Chief Kul Bahadur Poudel said a team has been requested from the province to collect samples to identify the exact cause of the suspected food poisoning.
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