Private School in Kochi closes temporarily after students exhibit signs of viral meningitis

St. Paul's School confirmed that it had received an email from the parents of the first diagnosed child regarding viral meningitis. The child was at school on 7 March, vomited, and was hospitalized. Other students who were affected were in close proximity.

A school in Kalamassery, Kochi, has been shut down temporarily following the appearance of symptoms of viral meningitis in five students. The children, all belonging to Classes 1 and 2 of St. Paul's International School, showed symptoms like fever, irritability, headache, and vomiting.

Two students were admitted into the intensive care unit of Aster Medcity Hospital. One was later shifted to a general ward, and the other will soon be shifted too.

As a precautionary move, the school will continue to be closed till March 16. Health officials have also advised delaying exams for Classes 1 and 2.

The samples of the infected students have been forwarded to the National Institute of Virology in Alappuzha for verification. Authorities have ensured that all the children are stable. More information is pending as investigations are ongoing.

School officials confirm one case of viral meningitis

The authorities at St. Paul's School told South First, that they had an email from the parents of the first diagnosed child, which confirmed viral meningitis, yesterday before the day before yesterday.

"The child went to school on March 7 but was vomiting through the day. We immediately notified the parents and got her to the hospital. It took 48 hours to confirm the diagnosis.".

The rest of the students who presented symptoms were close to the initial child, usually sharing food and snacks. We are now complying with the health authorities directive in handling the situation," the school said.

Dr. Asha Devi, DMO, Ernakulam, explained to, South First, that there is no cause for panic. Although the viruses responsible for viral meningitis are infectious, the closure of the school is a precautionary action.

Common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, drowsiness, loss of appetite, rash-like spots, loss of balance, and inability to concentrate.

Children are more susceptible than adults.