115 children fall ill, 12 hospitalised after eating water balls in Rajasthan village

Published 15 July 2026 · health

What began as a treat quickly turned into a health scare after a popular street delicacy like pani-patasi (water balls) became a source of illness

What began as a treat quickly turned into a health scare after a popular street delicacy like pani-patasi (water balls) became a source of illness for children in Rajasthan's Kota district. Around 115 children fell sick after reportedly consuming pani-patasi in Polai Khurd village, with complaints of vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain. Twelve children were admitted to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Simliya, while the remaining affected children are being treated at a medical camp set up in the village. Read Full Story The incident triggered panic among residents as children started showing symptoms soon after eating the popular snack.

Medical authorities were alerted, prompting a swift response from the district administration and the health department. Sub-Divisional Officer Deepak Mahawar and Block Chief Medical and Health Officer (BCMO) Dr Rajesh Samar reached the village to oversee relief measures. Two medical teams, supported by 108 ambulance services, were rushed to the spot to provide immediate treatment and transport patients requiring hospital care. With concerns over the scale of the incident, health officials established a special medical camp in Polai Khurd. Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) have been carrying out door-to-door surveys to identify anyone else showing symptoms and ensure timely medical attention.

Officials said the condition of most affected children is stable, though they continue to be monitored. Kota Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Narendra Nagar also visited the village to review the arrangements and directed officials to ensure uninterrupted treatment for all patients. Preliminary inquiries indicated that the pani-patasi vendor is a resident of nearby Sholi village. A Food Safety Department team subsequently collected samples of the food ingredients, chutneys and water used in preparing the snack. Water samples from the source accessed by the vendor have also been taken and sent to laboratories for examination.

According to BCMO Dr Rajesh Samar, children began arriving at the hospital from Tuesday night with symptoms of suspected food poisoning. While doctors have managed to stabilise most of the patients, the exact cause of the outbreak will be determined only after laboratory reports are received. The findings are expected to guide any further action against those found responsible and help authorities prevent similar incidents in the future. Ends