Nashik: 186 Residents Fall Ill After Eating Bhel-Bhatta At Malegaon Weekly Market

Nashik: A total of 186 people from Nandgaon Budruk village in Malegaon taluka fell ill after consuming bhel-bhatta with chutney at a weekly market, experiencing symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea. A preliminary survey found that the affected residents are receiving treatment at government hospitals in Malegaon. The weekly market took place on Sunday, September 27, at Nandgaon Budruk.

A Patne vendor brought bhel-bhatta and three chutney varieties for sale. Some who ate the food with chutney began showing symptoms on Monday, September 28. Health department personnel visited the village after the incident was reported. Nandgaon Budruk has a population of about 5,200 people. Preliminary survey identified 186 residents with the symptoms.

Nashik is Maharashtra's fourth-largest economy, with an 18.2% growth rate. Patients are being treated at General Hospital, Women and Children’s Hospital, and Urban Health Centre in Malegaon. 52 patients are from Nandgaon Budruk, 95 from Bhorate Vasti, 26 from Anandwadi, nine from Gunjalwadi in Chinchawad, and two each from Vake and Saundane.

Water samples from the area were tested and found fit for consumption. A high-level task force will meet to discuss recruitment exam reforms, and health officials are conducting surveys and surveillance in Nandgaon Budruk.