Kerala: 2 school students norovirus infected; 8 admitted due to food poisoning

The state had reported norovirus infection last year as well. Unhygienic food and contaminated water were the primary causes of the infection.

Norovirus in Thiruvananthapuram School. Two primary school students in Thiruvananthapuram were found infected with Norovirus which causes vomiting and diarrhea. The condition of the students is stable as reported by the Health Department. The doctors detected the infection after testing samples from students who suffered food poisoning from school meals. More test results were awaited.

The state had reported norovirus infection last year as well. Unhygienic food and contaminated water were the primary causes of the infection. In view of a couple of incidents of suspected food poisoning from school noon meals, the state government has convened a high-level meeting on Monday. Due to inadequate funds from the government, many schools make arrangements for food materials through donations and sponsorships.

Eights students in Kerala down with food poisoning

A government upper primary school in Alappuzha district admitted eight of its students to a hospital on June 4 suspecting food poisoning. The students complained of stomach discomfort. According to Firstpost, a few students went to the government hospital on Friday evening itself while others reached today, according to Police. All students are under treatment and are stable.

"There are 650 students studying in the school. Yesterday, including teachers and students, 575 people had the mid-day meal from the school. Only eight of them have complained so far," police said.

Meanwhile, four students of an anganwadi at Kottarakkara in Kollam district were also admitted to a nearby hospital after they complained of uneasiness. Sources said their condition is stable. State Health Minister Veena George has asked the Food Safety Commissioner to look into both the incidents and file a report.

Sources in the health department said the samples have been collected from both the places and testing will be conducted at the government food testing lab.

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