82 ill after eating pork at funeral feast
By IANSWednesday, November 3, 2010
SHILLONG - At least 82 people, including eight children, fell ill after eating pork at a funeral gathering in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills district, an official said Wednesday.
“The people complained of giddiness and started vomiting after they ate lunch, served with pork at a funeral gathering in village Iooksi Kyanmynsar yesterday (Tuesday),” E. Lyngskor, the district health and medical officer, told IANS by phone.
She said 25 of the victims were admitted to a government-run hospital at Jowai, the district headquarters of Jaintia Hills in east Meghalaya, and three at Iooksi Primary Health Centre.
The rest were treated on the spot by administering medication.
“We suspect that the people fell ill after eating putrified pork, which was served during lunch,” Lyngskor said,
She added: “The food inspector has taken sampleS of all the food items served during the lunch to examine the cause of the people’s illness.
According to tribal Khasi-Pnar customs, people visiting the residence of the bereaved family must eat before leaving.
