Over 60 fall ill after wedding feast in Nikli, Kishoreganj; rural practitioner Kiran Mia dies in treatment

More than 60 people have been admitted to hospital after falling ill from eating at a wedding feast in Nikli, Kishoreganj. One of them has died while undergoing treatment.

The incident took place on Friday (November 13) at Barakanda village in Dampara union of the upazila.

The deceased, Kiran Mia (50), was the son of Yusuf Ali Master of Barakanda village. He was a rural medical practitioner. He was taken to Zahurul Islam Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment while ill and died there while undergoing treatment.

Local residents said the wedding of Arju Mia's (50) daughter was held at Barakanda village on Friday, with food arranged for about 300 guests. Food was first served to the bride's guests, and in the afternoon to the groom's guests.

Soon after eating, many guests developed stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. They were then admitted one by one to Nikli Upazila Health Complex.

When the condition of several deteriorated, they were sent to Kishoreganj district town and other hospitals for advanced treatment.

Bride Tasmita Begum (19) said people from both the bride's and groom's sides fell ill after eating at her wedding and were admitted to hospital. Her husband Sheikh Swadhin and she herself are also undergoing treatment in hospital.

Selim Mia of Singpur village, undergoing treatment in hospital, said the beef at the wedding had not been cooked properly and he believes they fell ill from that food. Four members of his family fell ill in the incident.

Rubel Mia (35) of Singpur village said that as the condition of those who fell ill after the wedding feast deteriorated, they were taken to hospital one by one through the night. Those in critical condition were sent to Bhagalpur, Kishoreganj and other hospitals, while several others are being treated at home. He believes the number of ill people is more than 60.

Dr Parama Das, on duty at the emergency department of Nikli Upazila Health Complex, said 22 women and 18 men have so far been admitted after falling ill from the wedding feast, and the number of patients is rising. She has also learned that ill people have gone to hospitals other than Nikli Upazila Health Complex.

Dr Sajeev Ghosh, Nikli Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, said the ill are being given regular treatment and necessary care. Those in critical condition are being sent to other hospitals for advanced treatment. There is no shortage of treatment equipment or medicine, but because of a bed shortage in the hospital, patients have to be treated on the floor.