Five students from a private school in Kalamassery, Ernakulam, have sought medical attention after exhibiting symptoms of viral meningitis. Health officials have confirmed that their condition is stable.
The affected children, all from Classes 1 and 2 of St. Paul’s International School, displayed symptoms such as fever, irritability, headache, and vomiting. As a precautionary measure, the school has been closed for a week.
Samples from the students have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Alappuzha for testing. Two children were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a private hospital. One of them has since been moved to a regular ward. The second child would also be shifted to the ward soon according to the hospital’s Public Relations department.
The district health authorities have recommended postponing the upcoming examinations for Classes 1 and 2. They also reassured that there is no cause for major concern as none of the students are in a critical condition.
Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges.
According to the World Health Organisation, ¨Meningococcal meningitis can affect anyone of any age, but mainly affects babies, preschool children and young people. The disease can occur in a range of situations from sporadic cases, small clusters to large epidemics throughout the world, with seasonal variations.¨
