Kathmandu, May 25

Twenty-two people from Dhading have been admitted to Teku-based Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital after food poisoning.

According to the hospital sources,14 patients from Adamtar-6, Dhading, were admitted to the hospital yesterday and eight more today.

A total of 41 people had developed complications after they ate prasad prepared during Sraddha (a ritual performed to pay homage to one’s dead parents) at Rajan Giri’s home in the village on Tuesday. “We had eaten puri, black-eyed peas and pickles sent by the Giri family to our home,” informed Sabitri Bhatta, 30, undergoing treatment at the hospital.

“I was at the Sraddha and ate the prasad,” shared 42-year-old Indra Bahadur Pandey, who is also receiving treatment at the hospital.

Most of the patients were suffering from diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and stomach ache.  “They are suffering from food poisoning,” informed Dr Ramesh Kumar Kharel, director at the hospital, adding,  “The food they consumed is believed to have Celphos in it. Celphos is used as a pesticide to keep rodents away,” informed Dr Kharel, adding, “This is very toxic and does not have an antidote. So, we treat for the symptoms.”

People suffer from food poisoning when they drink or consume contaminated food and water. “We assume the patients ate black-eyed peas that had Celphos in it,” said Dr Kharel. “The patients say they ate black-eyed peas and fell ill. They are likely to have suffered either from bacterial toxin or chemicals. However, unless proven so, it is difficult for us to tell,” informed Dr Anup Bastola, consultant physician at the hospital.

“When people suffer from such chemical infection, we need to treat them immediately. Fresh/direct intake of Celphos can lead to death. This is a case of emergency. The admitted patients will remain in the hospital for at least two more days for observation,” added Dr Kharel.

Among the patients admitted to the hospital, the number of women and children is high as they have lower immunity.

Among the 41 patients, 19 of them were treated at Gajuri Hospital, Dhading, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Dipendra Panjiyar at District Police Office, Dhading. They were were discharged on May 25.