Eleven hospitalised after eating lizard-infested food

Victims shifted to hospital where two are in critical condition

SAHIWAL: As many as 11 people were hospitalised after consuming contaminated food on Saturday. The condition of the victims deteriorated after consuming lizard-infested food from a vendor on Arifwala Road.  Reportedly, a lizard was found in the spoilt curry dish while the consumers were enjoying their food.

Rescue and police officials immediately shifted the victims to District Headquarters Hospital where two of the victims are reported to be in critical condition. According to details obtained by The Express Tribune, the names of victims include Tahir, Hanif, Ali, Ahmed Raza, Tariq Aziz, Imran, Ikram, Hafeez, Faisal Aziz, Saleemuddin, Laiba and seven-year-old Habib. One of the victims was not in need of hospitalisation.

The affected people were enjoying a curry dish of chickpeas from the local vender when the lizard was recovered from the plate of a customer after which their health deteriorated. On receiving information, a rescue team reached the spot and gave first aid to the victims and shifted 11 of them to DHQ.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Zaman Vatu took notice of the incident and sent the assistant deputy commissioner (ADC) to the hospital. The DC directed the ADC to provide the best medical facilities to the affected people.

DC further directed the food department to immediately check all vendors and small hotels and take action against those who are not hygienic.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 4^th, 2019.