The deceased was among 70 patients who fell ill after consuming food served at the government-run facility – one of the largest mental health institutions in the state.
Published Jun 04, 2025 | 12:13 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 04, 2025 | 7:52 AM
Institute of Mental Health in Erragadda, Hyderabad
Synopsis: One patient has died and around 70 others have fallen ill in a suspected case of food poisoning at the government-run Institute of Mental Health in Erragadda, Hyderabad. While most of the patients are now in a stable condition, an investigation is underway to determine the exact source of the contamination. Authorities, including the Hyderabad District Collector and the Health Minister, have reviewed the incident and confirmed that food and biological samples are being tested at the Institute of Preventive Medicine.
A 35-year-old patient, identified as Karan, reportedly died on Monday, 2 June night following a suspected case of food poisoning at the Institute of Mental Health in Erragadda, Hyderabad.
The deceased was among the 71 patients who fell ill after consuming food served at the government-run facility – one of the largest mental health institutions in the state. However, the hospital authorities, even though they confirmed the food poisoning incident, said Karan’s death was not related to it.
Hyderabad District Collector Anudeep Durishetty visited the hospital early on Tuesday to assess the situation.
“We are treating this incident very seriously. While the cause is yet to be confirmed, preliminary information points to food contamination. Seventy patients reported symptoms, and immediate medical intervention was arranged,” Durishetty said.
According to officials, 68 of the affected patients are currently in stable condition.
Two others – T Satish (18) and D Karan Reddy (35) – were initially in critical condition and shifted to Osmania General Hospital (OGH) for advanced treatment. Doctors at OGH later confirmed that both patients have stabilised under medical supervision.
A special medical team from Osmania General Hospital was deployed to the Erragadda facility to administer on-site treatment to the remaining patients. Additional ambulances were stationed at the premises as a precautionary measure, officials said.
Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha reviewed the situation and directed health authorities to ensure there were no lapses in patient care.
Samples of the food, along with stool and vomit samples from affected patients, have been collected and sent to the Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM) for laboratory testing.
The results are expected to determine whether food or water contamination was the cause of the outbreak.
Collector Anudeep confirmed that a formal investigation is underway to identify the precise source of contamination. The Institute of Mental Health in Erragadda is one of the largest mental health facilities in Telangana.
Meanwhile, families of patients have been informed, and health personnel remain stationed at the hospital round the clock.
Later, the hospital’s superintendent issued a formal statement clarifying that the death of Karan, was likely due to cardiopulmonary arrest and not directly linked to the gastrointestinal illness that affected dozens of other patients.
Karan, a destitute psychiatric patient referred by the Bhupalapally Magistrate in August 2023, had been undergoing treatment at the hospital for intellectual disability with behavioural impairment.
According to the superintendent, the patient had shown marked improvement and was declared fit for discharge in November last year. However, with no family to receive him and no follow-up action from the referring authorities, he continued to stay at the hospital under care.
“He was found unresponsive by the ward staff at around 5.30 am on 3 June. Despite immediate resuscitation efforts by our medical team, he was declared dead due to cardiopulmonary arrest,” the superintendent stated.
The hospital clarified that Karan had not exhibited any symptoms associated with gastrointestinal illness, such as diarrhoea or vomiting, prior to his death.
“He had mild cough, cold, and low-grade fever for the past two days, but routine checks showed stable vitals. Based on clinical indicators, we suspect bronchopneumonia may have contributed to his sudden cardiac arrest. The definitive cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem examination,” the statement read.
At the same time, the Superintendent acknowledged that a total of 35 psychiatric inpatients at the facility had experienced symptoms consistent with food poisoning, including loose motions, on the same day. These patients were promptly treated with hydration, electrolytes, and antibiotics where necessary. All are reported to be stable and under observation.
“No severe complications were observed, and no new cases have been reported since. Food and water samples have been sent for microbiological analysis, and hygiene protocols have been tightened to prevent any recurrence,” the hospital added.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
