Bhubaneswar: At least six girl students of a private higher secondary school located in the Khandagiri area were diagnosed with diarrhoea after reportedly consuming food from outside the school premises.
A government health team visited the school on Monday to assess the situation and monitor the health condition of the affected students.
Dr. Shiba Prasad Padhi, a medical officer at Capital Hospital, confirmed that the students were provided with prompt medical treatment and have since returned to their hostel.
“Around six students were infected. They received treatment at Capital Hospital and have now returned to their hostel. We are keeping a close watch on their recovery. The Additional District Urban Public Health Officer (ADUPHO) also visited the premises as part of the monitoring effort,” said Dr. Padhi.
ADUPHO Nilamani Senapati, who led the health inspection, informed that over 156 students reside in the school’s hostel. He ruled out the possibility of the infection originating within the hostel.
“Only six out of 156 hostel students were affected. These students had consumed Dahi Bara Aloo Dum from outside the premises. Based on this, it appears the source of infection was external. Nevertheless, we have collected water samples from the hostel as a precautionary measure,” Senapati said.
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Sulochana Das, who also reviewed the situation, urged citizens to maintain cleanliness and be cautious about food and water hygiene.
“Our medical teams reached the site promptly and provided saline and necessary medicines to the affected students. There is no need to panic, but everyone must remain vigilant. Areas with stagnant water must be cleaned and maintaining environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility,” the Mayor stated.
Meanwhile, the health department has collected water samples from multiple sources within the school campus for testing.
