Port Blair, Aug 06: During the morning of 6th August 2014 around 80 school children from two Government schools reported fever and vomiting and they were immediately sent to GB Pant Hospital for treatment. By the evening, all the children were discharged except for only 5 children who were kept for further observation.
The children reported symptoms which included fever with headache. A few children also reported vomiting and giddiness. Due to the prompt action of the Headmasters concerned the children were evacuated to the GB Pant Hospital and given treatment by a team of Doctors and Specialists without any delay.
All the children were kept under observation in the GB Pant Hospital and later in the evening by 5.30 p.m. only 5 children were kept for further observation. All the others were discharged after treatment which included medication like Paracetamol, Digene and Oral Rehydration Salt packets.
The Specialists of the GB Pant Hospital stated that there is no cause for alarm. A major possible reason for the symptoms could be Viral fever outbreak. A few cases could also be due to reactionary fever due to vaccination. However over 200 children received this vaccination and only 13 such children reported fever, etc.
As a precautionary measure samples of food and water have been lifted from the schools which will be sent for testing in the Food Laboratory at mainland. The Chief Secretary has also directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate to conduct an inquiry into this incident.
Regarding the remaining 5 children who were kept under observation, DHS has informed that none of them are serious and they have only been kept with the symptoms of mild dehydration and fever.
The Administration has advised all school authorities and requests all parents to take all due caution in view of the monsoon and the DHS has prescribed some precautions to be taken such as to strictly follow the hygienic practices like proper hand washing with soap before food and after toilet; To take only boiled cooled water; To take only freshly prepared food; To come to Hospital in case of any of the symptoms of fever, head ache, body ache, vomiting etc. and For any emergency they may contact Centralised Ambulance Call Centre Toll Free No. 102.
