At least 24 schoolgirls in Kolkata were rushed to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Monday night after several of them fell ill, officials said. The students were admitted to the hospital’s emergency department and are currently under medical observation.
According to a hospital official, the girls complained of symptoms including fever, abdominal pain and vomiting. Their condition was reported to be stable, and doctors are closely monitoring them while carrying out medical examinations to determine what caused the illness.
The fact that a large number of students developed similar symptoms around the same time has raised concerns among the authorities. However, officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the illness.
Doctors are examining several possibilities. A food- or water-borne problem is among the suspected causes, while an infectious illness has also not been ruled out. Samples and other medical tests are expected to help establish whether the students were exposed to a common source.
The incident has prompted attention from the West Bengal health authorities. Sources in the state Health Department said Health Minister Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay may visit the hospital to take stock of the situation and speak with doctors regarding the students' condition.
Meanwhile, the school authorities have not yet issued an official statement explaining what may have led to the students falling ill. Details regarding whether all the girls had consumed the same food or water before developing symptoms are also awaited.
Hospital officials said the immediate priority is to ensure that the students remain stable and receive appropriate treatment. Their condition will continue to be monitored as doctors investigate the underlying cause.
The incident has also raised questions about food and drinking-water safety in schools, particularly when several students develop similar symptoms within a short period. Authorities are expected to gather more information from the school and families of the affected students as part of the assessment.
For now, officials have stressed that there is no confirmed explanation for the illness. Further clarity is expected once medical examinations and other investigations are completed.
