After fish poisoning in Longleng district 43 admitted in hospital

KOHIMA: At least 43 people have been admitted to the district hospital after widespread consumption of suspected fish poison in Pongching village of Longleng district.

According to the police, it received information about a case of widespread food poisoning in the village around 11 am on Friday, with reports that the patients have been admitted to the district hospital.
On receiving information, the district police led by Superintendent of Police (SP) visited District Hospital (DH) Longleng for preliminary investigation.

Police said that 43 patients admitted to the hospital showed symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea. On inquiry, the police were told that on Thursday, the villagers had bought fish from a local shopkeeper to take it to their farms the next day.
On Friday, local people who had fish for lunch started complaining of physical ailments like diarrhea, stomach ache in the evening. That night, these local people were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Representatives of Food Safety Department and Chamber of Commerce Longleng also visited the district hospital along with police and civil administration for further action.

It was stated that samples of cooked fish were obtained and fish from the same stock of supply was also taken from the seller.
The samples were sent to the Food Analyst, State Public Health Laboratory for analysis to obtain comprehensive testing and analysis reports.

The statements of doctors, locals and shopkeepers have been recorded, the district police said. Police also sealed the shop for further action.
As the matter remains under investigation, police have appealed to the public to cooperate and refrain from spreading rumours.

The deputy commissioner had also written to the food analyst of the state public health laboratory to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the fish samples to identify any possible contaminants or harmful substances that could cause widespread food poisoning.