The out patient block at Institute of Mental Health Erragadda in Hyderabad. File
| Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL
A suspected outbreak of food poisoning at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) Erragadda, Hyderabad has left one patient dead and 70 others affected, according to officials monitoring the situation on site. The incident, which began unfolding on Monday morning, has prompted a full-scale medical response and an ongoing investigation.
Hyderabad District Collector Anudeep Durishetty along with Director of Medical Education (DME) A. Narendra Kumar visited the hospital on Tuesday evening “We have not concluded that it is a food poisoning case. The situation is under investigation. Food samples could not be sent for testing as all food had been consumed by the time symptoms emerged. However, stool, vomit, and water samples have been collected and sent to the Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM) for analysis,” said Mr. Durishetty.
One patient passed away around 5.30 a.m. on Monday and remaining cases were reported throughout the day and up to 4 p.m. on Tuesday. No new cases have been reported since. All patients are currently stable and under active monitoring, according to officials.
Officials suspect the illness may be linked to contaminated water, as over a dozen water samples, 12 to 13 in total, have been collected from various points in the facility for testing. “We expect more clarity in the next 24 hours,” the District Collector said.
A team of doctors from Osmania General Hospital (OGH) is stationed at the facility, supported by two ambulances on standby. A 24-hour medical team has been deployed to closely monitor patient vitals, with immediate shifting arrangements in place in case of any deterioration. “Patients requiring additional medical attention are being shifted to OGH. As of 9 p.m, three individuals have been transferred, not because they are critical, but because they needed closer monitoring and care,” said OGH Superintendent Rakesh Sahay.
Published – June 03, 2025 10:04 pm IST