A viral infection swept through three government-run residential schools in Gujarat’s Surat district, affecting around 150 students. Eighteen female students experiencing fever were admitted to a hospital, as per PTI reports.

Jaideepsinh Rathod, principal of Sainik School—one of the affected institutions—stated that numerous students had developed fever and cough in recent days, prompting him to contact local health officials. While both male and female students were unwell, all those hospitalized were girls. They were taken to a community health center on Saturday.

Dr. Anil Patel, the district’s chief health officer, confirmed that the students were suffering from upper respiratory tract infections, displaying fever and persistent coughing for the last three to four days.

The three residential schools, located in Wadi village of Umarpada taluka, accommodate more than 650 students. To curb the spread of the airborne illness, district authorities deployed a medical team of 30 personnel to conduct health screenings. Officials instructed school staff to isolate sick students and ensure they wore masks.

Former tribal development minister and MLA Ganpat Vasava visited the school to oversee the response. Meanwhile, in January, a Rajasthan-born infant was diagnosed with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) while receiving intensive care in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad. The child’s condition later stabilized.

Authorities remain vigilant as they attempt to prevent further spread of the infection.