Mayurbhanj, Oct 7 (UDN): More than 35 girl students fell ill after reportedly developing vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain at an SC&ST girls’ hostel in Manatri under Badasahi block of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, triggering a health response and an investigation into the possible cause of the illness.
According to sources, the students had dinner at the hostel on Tuesday night and went to bed. Several students subsequently complained of vomiting, loose motions and stomach pain. As the number of affected students increased, the school authorities arranged ambulances and other vehicles to take them to the Manatri health centre.
With the local health facility facing space constraints, some students were later shifted to Badasahi hospital for further medical attention.
A senior official said the affected students were stable after receiving initial treatment.
Collector Visits Hospital, Hostel
Following information about the incident, the Mayurbhanj Collector visited the hospital and took stock of the condition of the students. Doctors were instructed to ensure that the affected girls received appropriate treatment and medical attention.
The Collector subsequently visited the hostel and inspected the kitchen, dining area and drinking water arrangements.
Food, Water Samples Collected
Health officials have been directed to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident. Samples of the food served at the hostel and drinking water have reportedly been collected and sent for laboratory testing.
The test results are expected to help determine whether contaminated food or water contributed to the illness.
The district administration has also indicated that appropriate action will be taken if negligence is established.
Officials are continuing to monitor the health of the affected students, while the exact cause of the illness is yet to be ascertained.