Dozens of Garment Workers Fall Ill; Mass Hysteria Suspected

Seventy workers at the Color & Co Ltd garment factory in Gazipur's Sreepur upazila fell ill on Friday, a day after 77 employees reported similar symptoms. Authorities have decided to form an investigation committee to determine the cause.

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They are gradually recovering and returning home. Yesterday, a total of 77 workers received treatment at our hospital.

Musa Mia, manager of Al Hera Hospital, stated that the hospital treated 70 workers between morning and early afternoon, with most gradually recovering and returning home. The previous day, 77 workers had received treatment at the same facility.

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They suddenly developed chest pain, dizziness, abdominal pain and nausea while on duty.

Factory operations resumed after a temporary shutdown, and the incident is under investigation. Affected workers reported sudden onset of chest pain, dizziness, abdominal pain, and nausea while on duty.

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The incidents appeared to be cases of mass hysteria, as the affected workers were recovering with routine treatment.

Dr. Shafiqul Islam, the upazila health and family planning officer, suggested the incidents might be cases of mass hysteria, noting that the affected workers recovered with routine treatment. He advised that counseling and changing workstations could help prevent future occurrences. Following the district civil surgeon's recommendation, an investigation committee will be established to thoroughly examine the cause of these recurring illnesses.

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Counseling and changing workers' workstations could help prevent further incidents.