Saharsa, Bihar: Over 100 people fall ill after consuming food at religious ceremony

More than 100 residents of Sardiha village in the Saharsa district of Bihar, India, have fallen ill after attending religious ceremonies and consuming food. Patients have reported symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

Medical officials, including Saharsa Civil Surgeon Raj Narayan Prasad, stated that while the situation is being monitored, one or two children are in serious condition and have been referred to Sadar Hospital for advanced treatment. Medical teams have been deployed to the village with supplies of medicine to assist those affected.

Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the mass illness. While some officials estimate approximately 100 people are affected, local Panchayat Samiti member Rahul Singh suggested the number could be between 150 and 200. Investigations are ongoing to determine if the illness was caused by the religious offerings (prasad) consumed during the puja or by recent weather changes.