English
English
English
How did a routine dinner turn into a health crisis for over 50 students at a Telangana hostel? Authorities are investigating suspected food poisoning, prompting hospitalisation and strict safety checks.
Food samples sent for lab analysis as authorities investigate contamination.
Dharmavaram: In a worrying incident on Friday evening, 52 boys were hospitalised after consuming dinner at BC Residential Boys School hostel in Dharmavaram, Telangana. Around 110 students had eaten sambar, rice, and cabbage curry at approximately 6:30 pm, after which many complained of vomiting and severe stomach pain. The affected students were rushed to a government hospital in Gadwal, where doctors confirmed that all are now clinically stable.
According to officials, 32 of the affected students were discharged on Sunday morning, while the rest remain under observation. District health authorities have stated that all students are currently out of danger. “We are also running a health camp in the hostel to monitor the remaining students closely,” a district official confirmed. The quick medical intervention ensured that the situation did not escalate further.
Health authorities, along with food safety inspectors, have launched an inquiry to determine the exact cause of the suspected food poisoning. Samples from the hostel kitchen have been collected and sent for laboratory testing. Preliminary reports are awaited, and the investigation aims to identify whether contamination occurred during preparation, storage, or serving of the meals.
UP: Food poisoning kills 4 kids at shelter in Lucknow, over dozen fall ill; For details…
Officials from the local education department visited the hostel to inspect hygiene standards and cooking conditions. The school management has been instructed to adhere to strict food safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future. Authorities emphasised the need for regular sanitation checks and monitoring of food quality, particularly in residential school hostels.
This incident in Telangana follows a similar case at Ravenshaw University in Odisha, where 15 students were hospitalised due to suspected food poisoning. Students had complained of falling ill after drinking water from a hostel purifier. Authorities in Odisha denied the allegations, stating that samples had been collected for lab analysis. These recurring incidents highlight the critical importance of food and water safety in student hostels and educational institutions nationwide.
Health: 5 vitamins to solve every hair problem! Learn how to include them in your diet
Experts advise students and hostel authorities to ensure clean, properly cooked food and safe drinking water. Any signs of foodborne illness such as vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea should be reported immediately, and affected students must receive prompt medical attention to prevent dehydration and other complications.
Food poisoning can have serious short-term and long-term effects, especially in children. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever, all signs that the body is trying to expel toxins. In severe cases, dehydration can occur due to excessive fluid loss, leading to weakness and dizziness. For schoolchildren and hostel residents, such incidents not only affect their health but also disrupt academic routines and create psychological distress about eating hostel food again. Repeated exposure to contaminated meals can also weaken immunity and cause nutritional deficiencies over time.
Recovery from food poisoning depends on the severity of infection and how quickly treatment begins. The first step is rehydration, as vomiting and diarrhea cause significant fluid and electrolyte loss. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and light, easily digestible meals such as rice gruel, toast, and bananas are recommended. In cases involving bacterial contamination, doctors may prescribe antibiotics or probiotics to restore gut health. Patients are advised to avoid oily, spicy, or dairy-rich foods for a few days. Rest plays a vital role, allowing the digestive system to recover fully. For children, continuous medical supervision ensures that dehydration or recurring symptoms are promptly addressed.
Prevention starts with strict hygiene and quality control in food preparation areas. Hostel kitchens must ensure clean cooking utensils, fresh ingredients, and properly stored food items. Cooks and kitchen staff should undergo regular health checks and follow handwashing protocols before and after handling food. Drinking water sources, such as purifiers and tanks, should be regularly cleaned and tested. Schools can also implement random food safety inspections, student awareness drives, and immediate reporting systems for any complaints related to food quality. Parents and administrators must collaborate to establish accountability and prevent such incidents from recurring.
