At least 33 students from a government school in Kalaburagi district have been hospitalised after experiencing severe symptoms of food poisoning. Dr. Sharanbasappa Ganajalkhed, the District Health Officer (DHO), confirmed the incident on Tuesday.On Monday evening, 33 students began experiencing symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea after consuming their mid-day meal at school. They were promptly transported to the primary health center and a government hospital in Vadi, said Dr. Ganajalkhed.Severity and TreatmentThis incident follows a similar one just a day earlier, where 17 students from Murarji Desai Residential School in Jevargi were hospitalised after eating breakfast. Dr. Ganajalkhed detailed the response to the latest incident: Five students, who were more severely affected, were admitted to the taluka government hospital in Vadi, while others received treatment at Kollur PHC. Most of the children recovered and were discharged by Monday night, although those more seriously affected are still receiving treatment at Vadi hospital and are improving.Contaminated Rice SuspectedThe affected students, from Kanaganahalli Higher Primary School in Chittapur taluk, were served rice as part of the mid-day meal scheme. The rice appeared to have been contaminated with rainwater, Dr. Ganajalkhed added.A Class 7 student recounted the ordeal: We dont know how the rainwater got mixed with the cooked rice that was served to us. By 3 pm, many of us experienced severe stomach pain, vomiting, and dehydration. Some students also noted that the rice was spoiled and had an unpleasant smell.Immediate Response and Community EffortOne teacher, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: We immediately informed the SDMC members, parents of the students, and the Block Education Officer, and took the affected students to the hospitals.Community members, including those from the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike in Chittapur taluk, acted swiftly. Villagers transported the sick students to hospitals on bikes and tractors instead of waiting for ambulances.Chittapur Block Education Officer (BEO) Jagadevi Hattur praised the quick response: Most of the children recovered quickly because they were taken to the hospital immediately. I thank the villagers and SDMC members for their prompt actions.
