Sivasagar: A series of suspected envenomation cases linked to unidentified aquatic organisms has triggered concern among health workers in parts of Assam’s Sivasagar district, especially in the Demow area, where more than 100 people have reportedly fallen ill with unusual symptoms.

The alarm was raised after a local resident, Shahidul Islam, suffered a sudden bite-like injury while fishing in a household pond. He described a sharp, burning pain near his ankle, followed by vomiting within minutes and rapidly worsening discomfort. Doctors later noted signs of infection and tissue damage.

Medical teams say the symptoms seen across patients do not clearly match known snakebite patterns, making diagnosis difficult. “We initially suspected snake envenomation, but the clinical signs were not typical,” said Dr Surjit Giri, who has been treating several such cases.

Health officials reported that many patients have experienced intense pain, swelling, and, in some cases, severe infection. The lack of a clearly identified organism has complicated efforts to provide targeted treatment and contain the issue.

Authorities are now monitoring the situation closely, while medical teams continue to investigate the source of the suspected bites. Residents have been advised to avoid entering shallow pond waters until more clarity emerges.