Debagada: At least four girls fell seriously ill after eating midday meal (MDM) at Naikula Tribal High School at Vijayanagar under Barkote block in this district Wednesday.
According to sources, students had their MDM at the school as usual. Shortly afterward, one of the girls complained of chest pain and became seriously ill.
School authorities informed headmaster Indramani Samal, who took the girl to Debagada District Headquarters Hospital (DHH).
After receiving preliminary treatment, doctors advised to get a seriously ill girl admitted to the hospital.
Meanwhile, three other girls at the school also reportedly fell ill with similar symptoms. Of the four affected students, one is in Class VII and the other three are in Class VI.
The incident has raised concerns among parents and school authorities about the safety and quality of MDM served at the school.
Reports said all the four students were admitted to the Debagada DHH and were undergoing treatment.
Since no other students who ate the noon meal fell ill, it appears unlikely that food poisoning caused the illness, said sources.
Doctors treating the students said a weak mental state could be one of the factors behind the incident.
The girls are being treated with oxygen support, and their health has been steadily improving, bringing some relief to teachers, students and parents.
