In a concerning health update, five students from St. Paul’s International School in Kalamassery, aged 7-8, have been diagnosed with viral meningitis after being admitted to private hospitals in Kochi. The school has been temporarily closed for a week as a precautionary measure. Serum samples from the affected children have been sent to the National Virology Institute in Alappuzha for further confirmation.
The children displayed symptoms like headaches, vomiting, mild fever, and sensitivity to light. Dr. Davidson Devasia, a pediatric neurologist at Aster Medcity, confirmed the diagnosis following brain fluid tests. He reassured the public, stating that viral meningitis is common in children and is not considered an alarming condition. The five students are now stable, with some initially requiring ICU care.
To curb the potential spread of the infection, health authorities have ramped up surveillance in the school and surrounding areas. Water samples from the school premises and nearby locations have been collected for testing to determine the source of the infection. The school administration has also launched a preliminary inquiry into the incident, with Principal Sunitha Binu Samuel noting that one student first showed symptoms, which might have led to the spread among close-contact peers.
The education department is awaiting confirmation from the district medical officer before deciding on additional measures, according to Honey G Alexander, the deputy director of education for Ernakulam.