Tragedy struck Kupuni village under Pattamundai block in Kendrapara district on Friday after a family complained of severe illness due to suspected food poisoning. According to reports, Ananta Senapati’s family members began experiencing stomach pain soon after eating ‘watermelon’. 

The symptoms quickly escalated to vomiting and diarrhea, affecting six members in total. The critically ill family members were rushed to the district hospital for immediate treatment. Among them, Ananta’s sons Baburabahan Senapati and minor boy Swadhin Senapati were transferred to a hospital in Cuttack due to the severity of their condition. 

Sadly, Swadhin Senapati was declared dead by doctors, while the others continue to receive treatment.

Cause of Illness Under Investigation

Authorities are investigating the exact cause of this unfortunate incident. While watermelon is suspected, it is not yet confirmed whether the fruit or any other factor led to the illness. The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) indicated that food poisoning is a likely cause. He further clarified that the family had ate left over curry which resulted in food poisoning.

“Our team went to their house, and investigated the food they ate, and it was found that they ate the leftover vegetable curry, which was made in the morning, they ate it at night. So the food that was kept in the heat was spoiled. If you eat it in the morning after it’s been out, then it is food poisoning. There’s nothing wrong with their house. The food had putrefied, and that’s what caused it. That’s what’s been found out in the primary investigation. However, we have also given their rectal swabs, and our health team has gone there today and found that in the surrounding areas, nothing else has been affected. Only in one family, the food they ate, that’s what caused it. This is the preliminary investigation,” said Sachidananda Mishra, CDMO Kendrapara.

Local health officials have urged villagers to exercise caution while consuming fruits and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any unusual symptoms.

 The administration has also assured a thorough probe into the incident to prevent such occurrences in the future.