Owing to the scare, the authorities have directed the school to suspend classes temporarily till March 16. “All the children are currently stable,” the officer said.
New Delhi: In a concerning development, five students of a private school in Kerala’s Ernakulam district were hospitalised on Wednesday after they allegedly showed symptoms of viral meningitis. According to the reports, the students belong to classes 1 and 2 of a private school in the Kalamassery area of Kochi and have been admitted to different private hospitals in the city.
Talking to The Hindustan Times, a district medical officer said, “We have realised that it’s a viral illness, but we need to confirm the kind of virus. The symptoms are similar to meningitis. We have collected the body fluid samples and sent them for testing at the National Institute for Virology, Alappuzha. We are waiting for the reports.”
Owing to the scare, the authorities have directed the school to suspend classes temporarily till March 16. “All the children are currently stable,” the officer said.
Those who had close contact with the affected students have been asked to wear masks. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Meningitis, caused by bacteria, viral infections, or fungi, often requires prompt antibiotic treatment. If you experience fever, severe headache, vomiting, confusion, or a stiff neck, seek medical attention immediately.
Children most at risk
Meningitis affects people of all ages, but according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), children and newborn babies are the most at risk. Most bacteria that cause meningitis are carried in the human throat and nose, and they spread from one person to another through throat secretions and respiratory droplets.
