The people of Longleng panicked after more than 40 people from Pongching village, mostly youth, were taken ill last week after consuming fish bought from a local shopkeeper, during a social work. They were admitted to District Hospital Longleng after complaining of diarrhoea and stomach ache. The cause of the mass illness is still not known but the common pattern in the symptoms pointed to a possible food poisoning. While such cases are not uncommon, untimely diagnosis and treatment can lead to lead to complications and even fatalities. The risk is even higher for those in remote areas as villagers have to travel for hours together to avail healthcare services from the nearest town. So, the quick and proactive response of Longleng public as well as the authorities is laudable. All the 46 patients recovered and have been discharged from the hospital after just a few days of treatment. It was the timely hospitalisation and treatment that prevented the cases from turning tragic. The district authorities took stock of the situation by sealing the shop suspected to have sold the fish and sent the samples to the State Public Health Laboratory in Kohima for testing. It also requested the PHED to conduct a test on the water in the village to rule out the possibility of water contamination causing the sudden mass illness. This was a right approach towards tackling any health crisis- taking stock of the situation as well as adopting preventive measures to avoid further spreading.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]The good news is that all the patients have recovered. The bad news is the health experts are yet to find out the exact cause of the mass illness. This is because the only laboratory in the state with facilities to diagnose food poisoning is yet to send the results of the samples. This experience brings to light the need for setting up more testing centres and laboratories in the state, which is needed for diagnosing and treatment of various diseases, and not just food poisoning. It also points to the need for maintaining utmost hygiene and care when preparing and handling food. Most food-borne illnesses can be prevented by following safety measures like maintaining cleanliness, avoiding food from unhygienic places, cooking thoroughly, proper food storage and checking for signs of bacterial contamination. The authorities should ensure that food hygiene is maintained at public eating places, schools, hotels, restaurants, street food stalls, etc. to prevent mass food poisoning. Contaminated water can also cause food poisoning. So, people should ensure that they consume clean water, especially during rainy season. Such measures will also prevent water-borne diseases, gastrointestinal infections and other health complications.