On 16 -06-23 at around 1100 Hrs, information was received from sources that an incident of mass food poisoning happened among some villagers of Pongching, Longleng. It was further informed that some of the patients were admitted to District Hospital Longleng. On receiving information, SP Longleng, OC Police proceeded to District Hospital Longleng for preliminary enquiry. It was found that at least 43 (Forty-three) persons were admitted to the hospital showing symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea on inquiry, it was found that on 14 -16-23, some food (fish) was bought from one local shopkeeper by a group of people above (60-70) from Pongching village as they had to go a terraced/ Paddy field to work the next day. On 15-06-23 some fish was cooked and consumed by them during lunchtime. However, complaints of physical illness (diarrhea, stomachache, etc) were reported during the evening and night, so they went to the hospital for treatment.

Representatives from the food safety Department and the Chamber of Commerce Longleng also visited the District Hospital, along with Police and civil administration for further action. Hence samples of the cooked fish were collected, and also cooked fish from the same stock of supply was also collected from the seller. The samples were sent to the food analyst, the State Public Health laboratory for analysis to get comprehensive testing and analysis reports. Further, the statements of the Doctors, people, and shopkeeper/Seller were recorded, and the shop was sealed for further course of action.

Further investigation is going on, and the public is requested to cooperate and refrain from any rumor-mongering. 

(Manjong Phom IA, Longleng)