Kandhamal, India – A tragic incident occurred in Kandhamal district’s Mandipanka village, resulting in the deaths of two women and the illness of five others due to the consumption of gruel containing mango kernels. The State government has swiftly initiated an investigation into this serious incident.
The substance in question, gruel mixed with mango kernels, is a common food item among local populations, which, in this case, has been identified as potentially toxic following its consumption. The deceased were identified as Ramita Patmajhi and Runu Majhi. The unfortunate turn of events saw them first admitted to Brahmanigaon Hospital for acute stomach pain and repeated vomiting, necessitating their subsequent transfer to MKCG Medical College Hospital in Berhampur as their conditions deteriorated.
At MKCG Medical College Hospital, the situation was dire for the two women, with one more individual reported to be in critical condition among the others impacted, though the rest remain stable. Health professionals are keeping vigilant, monitoring the situation closely to prevent further deterioration of the patients involved.
Mandipanka’s local leadership, represented by Kumari Mallick, the Sarpanch of Gadapur panchayat, expressed confusion over the incident. “Consumption of mango kernels has been an integral part of our diet. It is unclear how the kernels developed fungal growth that could have led to toxicity,” she said. This suggests the possible accidental presence of mycotoxins in the food, commonly produced by fungal contamination.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, State Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling has directed the Director of Health to thoroughly probe the incident. The findings are awaited to confirm the exact cause of the deaths and determine the nature of the illness that plagued the surviving villagers.
Meanwhile, Kandhamal Collector Amrit Ruturaj has indicated that a post-mortem report is pending, which is crucial for establishing the precise cause of mortality. “If the consumption of mango kernels is implicated, we will launch awareness campaigns to ensure the tribes are informed of safer dietary habits and educated about potential risks,” said Ruturaj.
This incident brings back memories of similar deaths in the early 2000s when Rayagada’s Kashipur area, also in Odisha, experienced a series of fatalities tied to mango kernel consumption. These were attributed to the forced reliance on mango kernels by tribal communities during acute food shortages, pointing towards broader issues of food security and nutritional health in tribal populations.
The ongoing investigation aims not only to bring clarity and closure to the grieving families but also to instigate policy changes and educational initiatives to ensure such tragic incidents do not recur. This reflects a broader necessity for continuous engagement with tribal communities on dietary safety and the implementation of comprehensive support systems to alleviate food scarcity sustainably.