Tenkasi: The suspected food contamination incident at the Annai Nalvalvu Trust shelter home in Sundarapandiapuram claimed another life on Friday, raising the death toll to four. Dhanalakshmi (70), who was undergoing treatment for severe digestive issues at Tenkasi Government Hospital, succumbed despite medical efforts.
In a worrying development, eight other residents showing signs of deteriorating health—Ram Lakshmi, Esakkiammal, Mariammal, Mumtaz, Karuppayi, Selvaraj, Kaliyappan, and Meenatchi Sundaram—were shifted to Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital for specialized care. Hospital dean Revathi Balan confirmed all are stable, although Mariammal is in ICU due to age-related complications and pre-existing conditions.
Preliminary tests and symptoms point toward an E.coli infection, likely stemming from contaminated meat-based food served at the shelter on Sunday night. Medical staff noted that many residents already had weakened immune systems, prompting immediate escalation of care.
Authorities from food safety, health, and police departments are preparing reports to submit to the district collector. Food safety officer Pushpa Raj stated that three crucial test results are expected on Saturday and will guide further public communication.
Earlier this week, three residents—Shankar (48), Murugammal (45), and Ambika (40)—had died under similar circumstances. The shelter, which accommodates over 60 individuals including the elderly and mentally ill, is run by Rajendran, who was detained on Thursday. The investigation remains active.
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