Keonjhar: As many as 28 inmates of Anwesha girls’ hostel operated by the SC/ST department of the state government in the district headquarters town here took ill and experienced fever and diarrhoea, Friday.
Some of the sick girls had viral fever while some others were diagnosed with diarrhoea. The girls, aged between 10-12 years, were admitted to the paediatric ward of the Dharanidhar Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) in the area.
After reports surfaced, a medical team led by the chief district medical officer (CDMO) visited the hostel and examined health condition of the remaining students. The team members also inspected the sanitary conditions and other amenities in the hostel premises.
Reports said over 460 girls are residing free of cost at the government-run Anwesha Girls’ Hostel here and studying in various public schools. The government has provided a bus to ferry the girls to their respective schools and back.
The girls were served bread and jam in the breakfast according to the menu, Friday morning. Over 190 girls went to the Greenfield Public School at Palashpanga after their breakfast. 18 of them collapsed during their prayers and were admitted to the hospital.
Later, 10 more girls fell sick at night and were taken to the hospital. After examination, the affected girls were found afflicted with viral fever and diarrhoea, hospital sources said. The hostel manager Santosh Sahu said that all the inmates had bread and jam in their breakfast, Friday.
Later, rice and curry was sent to their schools for lunch. There is nothing to worry about food, he said. When contacted, CDMO Dr KC Prusty said the health condition of the girls has improved after undergoing treatment.
A medical examination confirmed viral fever as the reason behind their illness. The health condition of rest of the girls in the hostel was found to be stable. The hostel authorities were asked to rush the girls to the hospital if any one falls sick.
PNN
