31 Kolkata school children hospitalized after falling ill

A significant health scare has affected a government school in Kolkata's Shyambazar area, with at least 31 students hospitalized since Monday evening. The students, who are boarders at the school hostel, were admitted to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital complaining of nausea, vomiting, and stomachache.

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From around 6pm, some students complained of nausea and stomach ache. The hostel warden promptly rushed the girls to the hospital. Some of the girls were suffering from dehydration. The treatment was started immediately and IV fluid and medicines were given. All the children were doing fine within one hour.

Parents of the affected students have voiced concerns, suggesting that the illness could be a result of consuming the mid-day meal provided at the school or due to poor water quality in the hostel. One mother reported that her daughter noticed a bad smell in the water, which led to her feeling unwell, and that several other girls had also fallen ill around the same time.

State health minister Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay visited the hospital late Monday to assess the situation. He confirmed that the students were suffering from dehydration and received immediate treatment, including IV fluids and medication. Mukhopadhyay stated that all children were responding well to treatment within an hour.

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My daughter told me that there was a bad smell in the water and after drinking she started feeling sick. By that time a few other girls had also fallen ill.

In response to the incident, teams from the state health department, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) visited the school on Tuesday. They collected samples from the kitchen and water sources for analysis. The police have sealed the two kitchens where mid-day meals were prepared for local schools and the hostel. Separate arrangements are being made to ensure the students continue to receive their mid-day meals while the investigation is ongoing.

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I am worried. My daughter has fallen ill. She said that it could be from the food or the water in the hostel. She is doing fine now. I am waiting for the doctors to release her.