Bhatkal: More than 100 people got treated in Bhatkal taluk hospital on Sunday night after they complained stomach ache following eating of clams at their village near Bhatkal.

Residents of Bhatkal town, Murdeshwar, Shirali and villages near Bhatkal purchased clams from the Bhatkal market and started vomiting after consuming them. They were taken to the taluk hospital and private hospitals. Most of them were discharged after being given primary treatment and about 25 were discharged on Monday morning.

The taluk health officer said the condition of all of them are out of danger and there is no threat to their life. Following the incident, the Bhatkal tahsildar has imposed a ban on sale of clams on Monday and appealed to people not to consume them.

It is said that a few villagers have been complaining about vomiting after eating clams for the last three-four days. But the incident came to light when more number of people started thronging the hospital on Sunday night complaining of similar symptoms.

According to locals, good quantity clams are being supplied to Bhatkal, Shirali and Murdeshwar from Kundapur and other district markets. “We don’t know whether they were of good quality or sprayed with chemical by suppliers for preservation purpose. But, the fact is people started vomiting after consuming them,” said an affected villager.

A doctor said: “Most of the patients are aged, who are suffering from other seasonal diseases. All are now fine after treatment and no severe cases have been reported.”