Over 40 students hospitalised after ‘food poisoning’

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 26

As many as 42 students of Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala, were admitted to Civil Hospital here late last night after they were taken ill due to suspected food poisoning. All of them were discharged by this evening. They were rushed to the Kapurthala Civil Hospital after they reported abdominal cramps and discomfort. Health authorities said four more students were reported to the Kapurthala Civil Hospital this morning; they were all discharged by today evening. Health teams also visited the PTU mess as well as premises today and took food and water samples.

The students were pursuing studies in various disciplines of technical education.

Civil Surgeon, Kapurthala, Dr Seema said, “Students reportedly had karhi and mixed vegetable in the hostel mess on Thursday morning. As many as 42 students were reported to us with abdominal cramps last night. Many also had dehydration and bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea. Abdominal cramps was the most common symptom reported by the students. They were under observation until this evening. All the students were discharged by late evening after they started feeling better.”

“We have taken five water and five food samples from the PTU which have been sent to the state laboratory for testing. The actual cause of infection will be clear only after we receive the sample report. During inspection, the kitchen was also found to be in poor hygienic condition,” she added.

Sandeep Kumar Kazal, Registrar, PTU, said: “The Incident is very unfortunate. We had some students complaining of stomachache last night after which they were given the first aid at the campus dispensary. But, when the problem still persisted, they were then rushed to Civil Hospital, Kapurthala. The hostel authorities also accompanied them and extended full cooperation. Almost all of them got discharged later. The cause of the infection has not been ascertained. A committee has been constituted which will examine the cause of the incident. It might even be possible that the students had their meals from outside. It would be too early to say anything. While the PTU hostel has 400 to 500 student residents – the discomfort was reported among 42 students.”

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