43 devotees fall ill after consuming lassi at fair in Admapur, FDA collects samples for testing

Kolhapur: Forty-three devotees suffered suffered vomiting and loose motions, requiring hospitalisation, after consuming lassi (sweetened curd) at a fair in Admapur, about 46km from the city, on Sunday. Most have since been discharged.The devotees were part of the large crowds visiting Admapur, home to the revered saint Balumama's temple in Bhudargad tehsil of Kolhapur district. Balumama, a widely respected early 20th-century saint from the dhangar (shepherd) community, draws devotees across communities. The five-day Bhandhara Utsav began on Sunday. The area falls under the assembly constituency represented by state health minister Prakash Abitkar.A local group distributed lassi to the devotees, similar to other groups that offered free water bottles, fruits and snacks. Around 300 people consumed the lassi. The first case of illness was reported around 5.30pm, and the number later rose to 43. Of them, 16 were referred to the rural hospital in Murgud, 10 to the Madilge PHC and eight to the sub-district hospital in Gargoti.A medical team led by district epidemic officer Dr Sushant Revadekar was dispatched from Kolhapur. Four medical officers, seven community health officers, two pharmacists and additional staff worked through the evening administering anti-vomiting and anti-diarrhoeal medication, along with IV fluids to counter dehydration caused by both the symptoms and the day's intense heat."No new case was reported after 11.30pm. Except for four patients at Madilge, all others were treated and discharged. All had consumed lassi in the afternoon. Milk products generally spoil within 2-4 hours even under cold conditions, allowing bacterial growth that likely caused the illness," Revadekar said.Doctors preserved lassi samples for testing. An FDA team later visited Admapur for further investigation, and stool samples were also collected. According to the doctors, the symptoms pointed to infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a common food-borne pathogen.DM Shirke, assistant commissioner, FDA Kolhapur, said, "We instruct hoteliers and stall operators to ensure food served at mass gatherings is fresh and hygienically prepared. But these guidelines are often overlooked by small groups offering free food. With several major gatherings lined up in the coming weeks, we will insist that anyone serving milk products obtain prior permission from the FDA."