At least 33 students from a government school in Kalaburagi district were hospitalized after consuming their mid-day meal, according to a senior health official on Tuesday.
Dr. Sharanbasappa Ganajalkhed, the district health officer, reported that the students developed symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea on Monday evening shortly after eating at school. They were swiftly taken to the primary health center and a government hospital in Vadi.
This incident follows a similar case the previous day, where 17 students from Murarji Desai Residential School in Jevargi were hospitalized after breakfast.
Dr. Ganajalkhed mentioned that five severely affected students were admitted to the taluka government hospital in Vadi, while others received treatment at Kollur PHC. By Monday night, most had recovered and were discharged, though those needing more care remained under treatment at Vadi hospital and were showing improvement.
The affected students, from Kanaganahalli Higher Primary School in Chittapur taluk, had consumed rice contaminated, reportedly by rainwater, as part of the mid-day meal scheme.
Reflecting on the incident, a Class 7 student expressed confusion over how rainwater could have contaminated the cooked rice served. Many students suffered from severe stomach pain, vomiting, and dehydration by mid-afternoon, with some noting the rice had an unpleasant smell.
An anonymous teacher confirmed they promptly informed SDMC members, parents, and the Block Education Officer, arranging immediate hospital trips for affected students.
Local members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike in Chittapur taluk praised the community’s swift response, mentioning villagers used bikes and tractors to transport sick students, bypassing ambulance delays.
Jagadevi Hattur, the Block Education Officer, commended the quick actions of villagers and SDMC members, emphasizing how prompt hospital visits contributed to the majority of students recovering swiftly.
Tahasildar Ambarish Biradar confirmed doctors examined all students as a precaution, detecting no additional infections among those who had consumed the same meal.