Patna: A shocking health scare in Bihar has raised concerns over the safety of fruits being sold during the intense summer season after eight members of a family reportedly fell sick soon after eating watermelon. The incident took place in Sonvarsha village under the Industrial Police Station area, where a family consumed watermelon bought from a local market and later began suffering from severe health problems. What is usually considered one of the most refreshing and healthy summer fruits has now become the centre of fear and investigation in the district.
According to local doctors, the family started experiencing vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and restlessness just a few hours after eating the watermelon at home. Their condition reportedly worsened quickly, creating panic among neighbours and relatives. Residents of the village immediately stepped in to help and rushed all eight family members to the Sadar Hospital for emergency treatment. Doctors at the hospital said one person was in a serious condition and had to be referred to a higher medical centre, while the others received treatment at the district hospital itself.
Medical Officer Dr Amlesh Kumar said that out of the seven patients admitted to the hospital, five have recovered and returned home. However, two women are still under treatment and observation. Lilavati Devi, wife of Indrasan Sah, is reportedly still suffering from abdominal pain, while her daughter Geeta Devi is now feeling better. Doctors have continued monitoring both patients carefully to ensure their health improves completely. The incident has now created concern among many local residents who regularly buy watermelon from roadside markets during the summer.
Following the case, the Health Department quickly launched an investigation. Civil Surgeon Dr Shiv Kumar Prasad Chakraborty said a food inspector has been directed to examine the watermelon and identify what may have caused the sudden illness in all eight family members. Health experts suspect the fruit may have contained harmful chemicals sometimes used illegally to ripen fruits faster or make them appear more attractive. Substances such as calcium carbide, nitrates and artificial colours are often blamed for such health risks. Doctors also warned that cut watermelons left uncovered in markets under direct sunlight can easily become contaminated with bacteria and germs.
The incident has prompted health officials to issue fresh safety advice for consumers. People have been urged to avoid buying pre-cut watermelon sold in the open and to check fruits carefully before eating them. Experts say watermelons with unnaturally bright red colour or small puncture marks may have been chemically treated. Consumers have also been advised to wash fruits properly, soak them in cold water before cutting and store them safely after use. With temperatures rising sharply across Bihar and other parts of the country, officials say extra care is necessary to avoid food-related illnesses during the summer months.
