24 Kolkata Schoolgirls Hospitalised With Fever, Vomiting; Officials Probe Cause
At least 24 girl students from a Kolkata school were taken to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Monday night after complaining of fever, abdominal pain and vomiting. An official at the medical facility confirmed the development, stating that the students' condition is stable.
The students are currently undergoing treatment in the hospital's emergency department. Officials said doctors are closely monitoring their health and conducting an assessment to determine the cause of the sudden illness.
“The possibility of a food or water-borne problem is being examined, while an infectious cause has also not been ruled out,” the official said. “The students are stable and are being monitored. We are conducting the necessary examinations to determine the cause of their symptoms.”
The exact reason behind so many students falling ill at the same time has not yet been ascertained. Hospital authorities are awaiting laboratory test results, which are expected to provide clarity.
School authorities have not yet issued any official statement regarding the incident. Meanwhile, sources at the West Bengal Health Department said Health Minister Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay may visit the hospital to take stock of the situation.
RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, one of the oldest and largest government hospitals in West Bengal, frequently handles such emergency cases. The hospital has a dedicated emergency department equipped to manage multiple patients simultaneously.
Health officials have assured that the affected students are receiving appropriate medical care. Parents and guardians of the students have been informed, and many have gathered at the hospital.
The incident has raised concerns among local residents and school parents, though officials have urged calm until the cause is definitively identified. Further updates are expected as the investigation proceeds.
