Bad food or water? 500 IIT-B students land in hospital

A student claimed that the number of new cases on Tuesday could be between 200-300,but this wasn’t confirmed by IIT-B authorities.

The students were from hostels 12,13 and 14. Around 26 mess workers also fell sick. Some students,on condition of anonymity,said the symptoms were loose motion,vomiting,headache and fever with chills. “We are trying to ascertain the cause,” said Devang Khakhar,IIT-B director.

“We have been complaining about the quality of food for the past two years. The contractor stores food items in an unhygienic room,” said a student requesting anonymity.

A review of the mess and the food that was served on Monday was also done. Institute authorities said all precautions are being taken. “We are trying to zero in on the loopholes. The cause could either be bad food or drinking water. The doctor will conduct a pathology test to ascertain the reason. In the meantime,we have instructed the mess contractor to ensure proper hygiene is maintained. We have also asked the students to drink water either from the filters in the hostels or boiled water,” said an official.

A note was sent to the students,stating that those having health-related problems can come to the council room of hostel 12. Another note on Tuesday stated the issue will be taken to authorities concerned.