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Wayanad: A health scare has gripped Kerala's Wayanad district after nearly 150 students from an aided upper primary school reported symptoms including fever and vomiting over the past few days.
Of the affected students, 38 were admitted to the Sulthan Bathery Taluk Hospital for treatment and observation, prompting health authorities to intensify monitoring efforts.
The students belong to Mar Baselios Aided Upper Primary School in Koilady, where officials have implemented precautionary measures to contain the spread of the illness.
School Closed for a Week as Precaution
In response to the outbreak, authorities have declared a week-long holiday for the school. The decision was taken as a preventive measure while health officials investigate the source of the illness and assess the situation on campus.
The District Medical Officer (DMO) assured parents and local residents that there is no immediate cause for alarm, emphasizing that the situation remains under control. A dedicated ward has been set up at Sulthan Bathery Taluk Hospital to accommodate and treat affected students.
Medical teams are closely monitoring the children, and officials said most of them are responding well to treatment. Their condition is reported to be stable. One teacher from the school has also developed similar symptoms and is under medical observation.
Cause of Illness Still Unknown
According to local authorities, some students began showing symptoms as early as June 1. However, the exact cause of the outbreak remains unclear.
Health Department teams have collected food, water and environmental samples from the school and surrounding areas for laboratory analysis. Officials are examining multiple possibilities, including food contamination, waterborne infection, viral illness, or other environmental factors.
Local panchayat representatives who visited the hospital stated that the health condition of the affected students remains satisfactory, with no reports of any serious complications so far.
Authorities are expected to determine the cause of the outbreak once laboratory test results become available in the coming days.
