57 girls living in hostel affected by food poisoning in Memnagar, 18 admitted

Ahmedabad: As many as 57 girls staying in a community-run hostel were rushed to a private hospital in Memnagar on Sunday after complaining of severe diarrhoea and vomiting, along with other health symptoms. Officials at Sterling Hospital said that 18 girls with serious symptoms remain admitted, while others were allowed to leave with instructions to report any complications during the next 24 hours. Dr Bhavin Solanki, medical officer of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), said on Sunday that initially 57 girls from a Patel community hostel housing around 900 residents were taken to the hospital. "As of Sunday evening, 18 girls are hospitalized, while the rest have been discharged after OPD-based treatment. The girls study in different standards and colleges, and had consumed food from different places. However, samples have been collected from the hostel mess for further analysis," he said. Sources said the girls who were admitted reported consuming panipuri, dabeli, khichdi, idada, sev khamni and similar food items over the past few days. Dr Sudhir, medical superintendent of Sterling Hospital, said all admitted girls are currently stable. "They reported a history of severe diarrhoea and vomiting-nausea over the last 24 hours. Some had developed symptoms on Saturday, which worsened on Sunday. Even those discharged with anti-diarrhoeal medicines have been asked to closely monitor their health for the next 24 hours," he said. Sources added that additional girls from the same hostel premises have since reported symptoms and will be examined by a medical team at the premises as a precautionary public health measure.