Over 100 Hospitalized After Eating Phuchka at Eid Fair, Vendor Missing

Local Correspondent

More than 100 men, women, and children were hospitalized after consuming phuchka at an Eid fair in Abhaynagar upazila of Jashore.

The incident occurred from the afternoon until late at night on Eid day at the fairground of Dakshin Deyapara Government Primary School.

According to the upazila health complex, 95 people were admitted there, while 10 critically ill patients were transferred to Khulna Medical College Hospital.

Eyewitnesses and locals said that an Eid fair is held annually at the school’s field, running for four days. This year, Monir Hossain from Rupdia, Jashore Sadar upazila, set up a temporary phuchka stall. Hundreds of people consumed the snack, and soon afterward, many suffered from stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and fever.

On-duty physician Raghuram Chandra said, “The symptoms suggest food contamination. Most patients have stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Ten critical patients have been referred to Khulna Medical College Hospital.”

Baby Akter, one of the affected individuals, said, “After returning home at night, everyone who ate the phuchka fell sick. I was hospitalized on Tuesday morning.”

Milon Ahmed said, “My family ate phuchka at the fair on Monday night. After returning home, they all fell ill. I didn’t eat it, so I remained fine and took them to the hospital. Four of them were later sent to Khulna Medical College Hospital.”

Following the incident, vendor Monir Hossain has gone missing.

Abhaynagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Alim said, “We are aware of the situation and are searching for the phuchka vendor. His home is reportedly in Jashore Sadar upazila.”

The incident has spread panic among fairgoers. Local authorities and health officials are monitoring the situation and investigating the matter.