Chennai, 11 June (H.S.) : More than 100 people have fallen ill after consuming food at a temple feast organized during the Kumbabhishekam ceremony at the Karuppasamy temple near Narikudi, Virudhunagar district. The incident occurred in Kalvimadai village, where residents and people from nearby areas had gathered for the event.

Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness were reported shortly after the annadhanam was served. Initially, over 20 people were admitted to government hospitals in Madurai, Mukkulam, and Thirupuvanam for treatment. However, the situation worsened when residents from surrounding villages like Avarankulam, Manakkulam, and Kuruvikulam consumed the temple food and began experiencing similar symptoms.

As many as 86 individuals have since been admitted to the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai. A team of over 25 medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, and public health inspectors, has been deployed in Kalvimadai village to handle the situation. Ambulance services have been kept on standby to respond to emergencies.

District food safety officers have collected samples of rice, lentils, and drinking water used for the feast and sent them for lab testing to determine the cause of the illness. While it's unclear whether contaminated water or spoilt food led to the outbreak, officials are awaiting the test results to ascertain the exact cause.

The authorities are working to provide medical care to those affected and prevent further incidents. The incident highlights the importance of food safety and hygiene, particularly during large public events.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary