Photo: Express
Two days after a family of four in Mumbai died after reportedly consuming watermelon, doctors said the symptoms they observed were far more severe than those usually associated with food poisoning.
Abdullah Dokadia (44), his wife Nasreen Dokadia (35), and their daughters Ayesha (16) and Zainab (12) died on Sunday within hours of one another after being hospitalised for vomiting.
According to reports, the family had eaten watermelon at their home in Pydhonie shortly before falling ill, Indian Express reported.
Doctors at Sir JJ Hospital indicated that the clinical presentation did not resemble a typical foodborne illness. Medical superintendent Dr Sanjay Surase reportedly said that the rapid deterioration, extreme severity, and the fact that all family members were affected suggested something beyond routine food poisoning, raising the possibility of exposure to a toxic or chemical substance.
He further explained that the illness began with vomiting but quickly progressed to neurological decline and loss of consciousness, which he noted was more consistent with the effects of a potent external agent rather than ordinary contamination.
Hospital staff said the family was brought in semi-conscious, with relatives reporting that they had started vomiting soon after eating watermelon. They had initially consulted a local doctor and received an injection, but their condition worsened prompting their transfer to the hospital.
Nasreen was admitted to the ICU around 11 am and died about two-and-a-half hours later. Ayesha, who was admitted shortly before noon with similar symptoms, died later in the evening.
Abdullah, who was brought in around the same time as his wife, died at night, while Zainab also died within hours of being admitted to another hospital.