Tue Jun 03 10:41:17 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

A dental clinic in Vaniyambadi, Tirupattur district, Tamil Nadu, has been sealed by health officials after an investigation revealed unsanitary practices likely led to the deaths of eight patients in May 2023. A joint study by CMC Vellore, ICMR-NIE, and the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Public Health found the clinic’s reuse of saline bottles, contaminated with bacteria, resulted in patients contracting neuromelioidosis. Despite being issued a show cause notice, the clinic’s explanation was deemed unsatisfactory by district health authorities. Police are now investigating related cases filed by the families of the deceased.

**News Article:**

**Tamil Nadu Dental Clinic Shut Down After Deadly Infection Outbreak**

**TIRUPATTUR, June 3, 2025** – Health officials in Tirupattur district, Tamil Nadu, have sealed a private dental clinic in Vaniyambadi following a probe linking the clinic’s unsanitary practices to the deaths of eight patients in May 2023. The closure was ordered after authorities deemed the clinic’s explanation regarding the allegations “unsatisfactory.”

The action comes after a joint investigation by Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), and the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Public Health (DPH). The study revealed that the clinic had reused saline bottles, contaminating them with bacteria that led to patients contracting neuromelioidosis, a serious brain infection.

According to the report, an unsterile surgical instrument was used to open the saline bottle, and subsequent reuse led to the infection. A total of 10 cases of neuromelioidosis were linked to the clinic during the 2022-2023 period.

“They [clinic authorities] have to approach the Tamil Nadu Dental Council to get clearance for functioning. Till then, the clinic will remain closed,” stated Tirupattur Collector K. Sivasoundaravalli.

The clinic, which had reportedly slightly changed its name and relocated a short distance from its original premises, was inspected by health officials on May 30th following the release of the joint study. A status report was then submitted to the Collector.

Superintendent of Police Shreya Gupta has initiated a special investigation into cases filed against the clinic by grieving families.

CMC Vellore previously reported an increase in brainstem syndrome admissions during 2022-2023, with a significant number of patients having undergone dental procedures.

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