Bihar: Over Three Dozen Munger Engineering College Students Fall Ill; Food Poisoning Suspected

Late Friday evening, a significant number of students at Munger Engineering College in Bihar fell ill, sparking panic within the hostel. Symptoms included vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and weakness. The affected students were swiftly taken to Sadar Hospital via ambulances provided by the college. Most students recovered after receiving medical treatment and returned to the hostel, while a few remained unwell.

Two Chhattisgarh teachers braved a swollen river and a three-kilometer trek every monsoon to deliver education to remote children, but this incident did not involve them.

Assistant professor and several college staff members were also reportedly unwell. Food poisoning is the primary suspect, although the exact cause remains unconfirmed. Prasad prepared for Vishwakarma Puja was the suspected source of the illness. Students, professors, and staff members consumed the prasad, which was served on Thursday. Vomiting and diarrhoea symptoms appeared on Thursday, with a larger number of students complaining of similar symptoms late on Friday evening.

Upon learning about the illness, the college administration promptly arranged for the affected students to seek medical attention at Sadar Hospital. Acting Principal Dr Shambhu Shankar visited the hostel and assessed the situation alongside college staff. Dr Faizuddin treated the students at the hospital. Over three dozen students received medical attention for diarrhoea, fever, and weakness.

Acting Principal Dr Shambhu Shankar stated that it was too soon to definitively attribute the illness to food poisoning, as the prasad was also consumed by professors and staff members.

A comprehensive investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the illness. If any negligence is found during the inquiry, appropriate action will be taken.