Sangareddy: 15 ZPHS students fall ill after lunch; teacher shifted to hospital

At least 15 students of Zilla Parishad High School (ZPHS) in Pedda Loni village, Munpalle mandal, Sangareddy district, fell ill after lunch on Thursday, according to preliminary information.

All the affected students are stable and have been kept under observation. A teacher who ate the same food as the students reportedly experienced severe symptoms and was shifted to the Government Hospital in Sangareddy.

According to preliminary information, the food was brought from outside and was not part of the school’s mid-day meal programme. The students began experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and stomach pain. School staff rushed them to the Community Health Centre in Sadashivpet, where they were administered first-aid and electrolytes.

The cause of the illness was not immediately known. Further details, including the source of the food and the results of any medical tests, were awaited. There was no immediate information about the condition of the teacher or the exact number of students who received treatment.

Sangareddy district is in Telangana. The Zilla Parishad High School is a government school that serves students from Pedda Loni and nearby areas. The mid-day meal programme is a government scheme intended to provide nutritious lunch to schoolchildren and support their attendance and health. When food-related illnesses occur in schools, they draw attention to the importance of food safety and hygiene.

Food-borne illnesses can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or toxins. Common symptoms include vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, and fever. In children, dehydration can become a concern, so quick medical attention is important. The first-aid and electrolytes given at the Community Health Centre in Sadashivpet are standard steps to manage such symptoms while further medical assessment is done.

In similar incidents, local administrations typically inspect the kitchen or the source of the food, check hygiene practices, and collect samples for testing. They may also review whether the food was stored at the right temperature and handled safely. The findings help determine whether contamination, spoilage, or another cause led to the illness, and whether any action is needed.

The mid-day meal programme has detailed guidelines on kitchen hygiene, cooking, storage, and serving. Schools are required to maintain clean drinking water, wash utensils properly, and ensure that cooks are trained in safe practices. When food is arranged from outside the programme, those safeguards may not automatically apply, which is why authorities often treat such cases with urgency.

In Telangana and other states, food poisoning incidents in schools have led to calls for stronger monitoring. Some measures include regular inspections, testing of food samples, and clear accountability for suppliers. Health experts also stress the need for early reporting when students show symptoms, so that treatment can begin without delay.

The Community Health Centre in Sadashivpet and the Government Hospital in Sangareddy are part of the public health system that handles such emergencies. Patients are usually given fluids and electrolytes to replace what is lost through vomiting or diarrhoea, and they are monitored for signs of dehydration. Most people recover with timely care, but severe cases may need hospital admission.

As of now, the exact sequence of events and the source of the food remain unclear. The school is located in a rural part of Sangareddy district. Any disruption to the health or schooling of children is a matter of concern for the entire village.

No detailed official statement was immediately available. This report will be updated if more information becomes available.