St. Paul's School confirmed receiving an email from the first diagnosed child's parents about viral meningitis. The child attended school on 7 March, vomited, and was hospitalised. Other affected students were in close contact
Published Mar 12, 2025 | 5:01 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 12, 2025 | 5:01 PM
School students. (Representational/ iStock)
Synopsis: A private school in Kalamassery, Kochi, was temporarily closed after five students from Classes 1 and 2 at St. Paul’s International School showed symptoms of viral meningitis. Two students were admitted to the ICU, with one expected to be moved soon. The school will remain closed until 16 March, and examinations are postponed. Samples have been sent for confirmation, and all students are stable
A private school in Kalamassery, Kochi, has been temporarily closed after five students displayed symptoms of viral meningitis. The affected children, all from Classes 1 and 2 at St. Paul’s International School, exhibited symptoms such as fever, irritability, headaches, and vomiting.
Two of the students were admitted to the intensive care unit at Aster Medcity Hospital. One has since been moved to a regular ward, while the other is expected to be shifted soon.
As a precautionary measure, the school will remain closed until March 16. Health authorities have also recommended postponing examinations for Classes 1 and 2.
Samples from the affected students have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Alappuzha for confirmation. Officials have assured that all the children are in stable condition. Further details are awaited as investigations continue.
St. Paul’s School authorities informed South First, that they received an email from the parents of the first diagnosed child, confirming viral meningitis, the day before yesterday.
“The child attended school on March 7 but vomited during the day. We immediately informed the parents and arranged for her to be taken to the hospital. It took 48 hours to confirm the diagnosis.
The other students showing symptoms were in close contact with the first child, often sharing food and snacks. We are now following the health authorities instructions to manage the situation,” the school stated.
Dr. Asha Devi, DMO, Ernakulam, told, South First, that there is no need to panic. While the viruses causing viral meningitis are contagious, the school closure is a precautionary measure.
Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, drowsiness, loss of appetite, rash like spots, balance issues, and difficulty concentrating.
Children are at higher risk than adults.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
