North Lakhimpur: More than 10 people fell ill after reportedly consuming pork in the Malaysia Chariali area of Maatmora in Assam’s Dhakuakhana on Sunday morning, raising concerns over food safety in the area. According to reports, the affected individuals had consumed pork purchased from the same roadside vendor at Raghu Tiniali in Maatmora the previous day. They later developed symptoms including severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever. Several affected persons were taken to Dhakuakhana Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment, while some others were reportedly receiving medical care at home. Among those undergoing treatment at the hospital were Narayan Panging, Maneswar Mili, Pinky Panging, Joydeep Panging, Devi Panging, Rimpi Panging, Uttam Doley and Markle Pegu.
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One of the affected residents reportedly said that the group had purchased pork liver, heart and intestine from the vendor after being assured about the quality of the meat. The family members subsequently developed stomach-related problems and other symptoms. The incident has raised fresh concerns in Dhakuakhana, an area that has witnessed recurring outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) among pigs in recent years. However, there is currently no official confirmation that ASF was responsible for the illnesses.
The exact cause of the reported illness remains unclear, with possibilities including contaminated meat or food poisoning yet to be established. Further medical assessment and investigation are expected to determine the cause. Dhakuakhana has previously witnessed ASF outbreaks, prompting authorities to impose restrictions on the sale and transportation of pigs and pork. On June 3, an indefinite ban was reportedly imposed following the detection of ASF cases in the area. The latest incident has prompted concerns among local residents over the safety and quality of pork being sold in the region.
