Shivpuri, June 28: More than 40 people, including women and children, fell ill in the city during the last three days due to sudden outbreak of a mysterious disease having dropsy-like symptoms. District hospital superintendent Dr S C Goyal told a news agency here today that all the affected persons have been suffering from excessive swelling on their hands, legs, face and stomach after consumption of mustard oil in one form or the other.

Goyal said that symptoms of the disease are like dropsy which had spread in New Delhi due to contaminated mustard oil but confirmation of it would be known only after complete tests. A four-member specialists team led by Dr Subodh Mishra had reached here last evening from Gwalior to find out more about the disease, Goyal said.

A total of eight persons have been admitted and more than 32 others were checked up in the district hospital during the last three days, he said and added several of them were not in a position to walk.

Meanwhile, Additional District Magistrate Shashi Karnawat has ordered for collection of open mustard oil samples from the shops in the district. Bureau Report