Suspected foodborne illness affects students at Vinjamuru School

Tirupati: At least 20 girl students residing in the hostel of a private school in Vinjamuru, Nellore district, experienced symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea on Friday morning, prompting concerns about a potential foodborne illness or water contamination issue.

Reports indicate that the affected students developed symptoms shortly after consuming breakfast at the hostel mess. The school administration promptly notified medical authorities and arranged for the students' transport to the nearest community health centre.

"Several students began experiencing nausea, stomach cramps, and loose stools after breakfast. Recognising the potential for a larger issue, we immediately contacted an ambulance and alerted the health department," stated a school official.

At the Vinjamur Community Health Care Centre, the students received medical attention, including intravenous fluids for hydration. Medical personnel confirmed that the students are now stable.

This incident coincides with growing concerns about water quality in the region following recent heavy rainfall. Dr Swetha, a physician at the Vinjamur facility, noted that several children from nearby villages have presented with similar symptoms in recent days.

"The current situation appears to be more than an isolated case of foodborne illness," commented Dr Swetha. "Heavy rains may have compromised local water sources, potentially leading to the spread of communicable diseases." She advised residents to take precautionary measures and urged authorities to investigate the precise cause of the outbreak.

The health department has initiated an investigation to determine whether the hostel food or suspected water contamination is responsible for the sudden illness among the students.