Special ward opened in Wayanad government hospital after 38 students of same school fall ill

Sultan Bathery (Wayanad, Kerala): At least 38 students of Mar Baselios AUP School in Koliyadi are undergoing treatment after reporting symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and fever-like conditions, as of Saturday, June 6.

The cases emerged over a two-day period, with several children from the same school being taken to hospital after falling ill. Initial admissions began with 11 students at Sultan Bathery taluk hospital, but the number increased steadily as more affected children were brought in.

Special ward opened as patient numbers rise

Hospital authorities said the students are under observation and receiving treatment. A special ward has been arranged at the taluk hospital to manage the rising number of admissions.

Officials said monitoring is continuing as additional cases are being reported from the same school. Medical teams are keeping the patients under close supervision while treatment is underway.

Samples sent to Mananthavady medical college for testing

Samples collected from the affected students have been sent to the Government Medical College Hospital in Mananthavady for detailed laboratory analysis. The results are expected over the weekend, after which the cause of the illness may be assessed more clearly.

Doctors said the symptoms observed are consistent with those seen in both food-borne and viral infections. However, there has been no confirmation on the exact source at this stage.

Field-level probe begins in school and surrounding areas

Sultan Bathery taluk hospital superintendent Dr A V Sindhu said it cannot be concluded at this stage whether the outbreak is due to food poisoning.

Health officials from the Nenmeni panchayat primary health centre have visited the school and nearby areas as part of a field-level investigation. The assessment is focused on identifying possible environmental or other contributing factors.

Some students also treated in private hospitals

Reports indicate that some children are also being treated at private hospitals in Sultan Bathery. Authorities said the condition of the affected students is currently stable, while monitoring and investigation are continuing.