SRINAGAR: A suspected case of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure was reported on Wednesday late night at a guest house in Pahalgam, prompting swift medical response and referral of affected individuals to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag.
An official said that at around 11:50 PM, multiple persons were brought to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Pahalgam with symptoms consistent with possible carbon monoxide inhalation, including headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness and varying levels of altered sensorium.
At SDH Pahalgam, the patients were immediately triaged and clinically assessed. High-flow oxygen therapy was administered without delay, vital parameters were stabilised, and symptomatic as well as supportive treatment was provided under continuous monitoring.
After preliminary management and stabilisation, and in view of the need for advanced evaluation, the patients were referred to GMC Anantnag for specialised care.
The individuals affected include minors and adults, all residents of Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Chief Medical Officer Anantnag, Dr Khalid Parvaiz, said that six tourists from Jaipur were hospitalised at GMC Anantnag following the incident.
He said that all of them responded well to treatment, are stable, and have since been discharged and returned to their hotel.
Health authorities have advised the public to exercise caution while using heating appliances, especially in enclosed spaces. Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas that can be life-threatening.
Officials urged people to ensure proper ventilation, avoid using charcoal burners or generators indoors, regularly service heating equipment and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea or confusion occur. (KNC)
