Food poisoning cases soar with rising mercury in Bhopal

Cases of food poisoning and gastro-infections have increased in Bhopal capital with the rise in temperature.

Updated on: May 5, 2015, 16:53:34 IST

Hindustan Times | By Neeraj Santoshi, Bhopal

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Cases of food poisoning and gastro-infections have increased in Bhopal capital with the rise in temperature.

In Bhopal, over 200 patients arrive daily at various government hospitals with symptoms of food poisoning and related infections, according to health department officials.

Actual figures could be higher as many patients go to the nearest private clinics and nursing homes for treatment.

JP Hospital medical superintendent Dr Anil Shukla told HT that roughly 5 to 6% of the 900 outpatient department (OPD) patients primarily suffer from food poisoning.

He said food getting spoiled due to increased bacterial growth with the rise in daily temperatures is responsible for the illness.

"This is a seasonal phenomenon and people should accordingly take precautions.

"They should avoid eating food that has been kept out for long or food that is stale. If they feel a slight change in the taste, they should immediately discard it," Shukla added.

Hamidia Hospital medical superintendent Dr DK Pal said 100 out of 1,500 patients who come to the OPD daily are for food poisoning and gastro infections.

He said that apart from eating fresh food, people should not drink water if they are not sure of its quality.

"Food poisoning is caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites and chemical or natural toxins. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, nausea, aches, headache and so on," Pal added.

Chief medical and health officer (CMHO), Bhopal, Dr Veena Sinha told HT that various government hospitals in the district were receiving patients suffering from food poisoning.

On World Health Day on April 7, around 150 people fell ill after eating dinner at a wedding reception in Dewas district.

On April 23, over 90 persons fell ill after having lunch at a wedding reception in Ratlam district.

On April 23, at least 18 people fell sick after having dinner at a ritual death feast in Dindori district.

Tips to prevent food poisoning

Do not eat food items which you suspect are not cooked properly. Under-cooked food should also be avoided as all pathogens might not be killed

Wash hands before and after eating food

Ensure food is stored and refrigerated properly. Keep raw and cooked food separate to avoid cross-contamination

If you suspect the food has become spoiled, dispose it. If you are not sure, heat it again to 75 degree Celsius or refrigerate for some time. This kills the bacteria and reduces the chances of food poisoning

Keep perishable food outside the temperature danger zone (5 to 60 degree Celsius)

Avoid eating leftovers

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neeraj Santoshi
Neeraj Santoshi is the Chief of Bureau for Hindustan Times in Uttarakhand, where he leads the state reporting team while covering government, politics, environment, wildlife, Uttarakhand High Court, and issues shaping the Himalayan region. With more than two decades in journalism across conflict zones, he has covered politically sensitive regions and environmentally fragile landscapes, and focused on stories that combine public interest with in-depth storytelling. An alumnus of Pune University with a Master’s in Communication Studies, he has reported extensively from Jammu & Kashmir (2003-2010), Madhya Pradesh (2010 to 2018 ) and Uttarakhand (Since 2018), covering subjects ranging from insurgency, elections and governance to wildlife conservation, mining, climate change, agriculture, human rights and social justice. He has covered politics and legislative assemblies of both Jammu & Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh over more than a decade. Before taking over as Chief of Bureau in Uttarakhand, he served as Special Correspondent with Hindustan Times in Madhya Pradesh and earlier reported for both Hindustan Times and The Indian Express in Jammu & Kashmir, where he covered state politics, environment and insurgency-related developments. Over the years, his stories have focused on environmental degradation, wildlife, illegal mining, governance and the changing social fabric of Himalayan states and Central India. He is particularly interested in long-form explanatory journalism, and stories that explore the intersection of ecology, conservation, governance and society. Outside the newsroom, Neeraj enjoys reading widely on neuroscience, consciousness studies, Artificial Intelligence and quantum physics, with a special interest in Kashmiri Tantric Shaivist traditions. He is also passionate about wildlife, mountaineering and the Himalayas, interests that continue to inform his reporting and deepen his understanding of the region he covers.Read More

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