Daijiworld Media Network - Balasore

Balasore, Aug 7: More than 70 people, including around 30 children, fell ill after reportedly consuming food served at a community feast following a housewarming ceremony in Odisha's Balasore district, with over 50 of them requiring hospitalisation, officials said on Friday.

The incident took place at Kharida village under the Jaleswar police station limits on Thursday. Those who attended the feast began experiencing diarrhoea and vomiting on Friday after consuming the food and drinking water served during the event.

At least 50 people with severe symptoms were admitted to the Jaleswar hospital, while the remaining affected persons were provided first aid.

Hospital authorities suspect that the illness may have been caused by contaminated food or drinking water. Samples have been collected from the village and sent for laboratory examination to ascertain the exact cause.

A medical team has been deployed to Kharida village to monitor the situation and provide treatment to those affected, officials added.