Mass Food Poisoning Hits Wayanad School: Hundreds Sick, Dozens Hospitalized

It was a typical Monday morning at the government higher secondary school in Wayanad when the first few students began complaining of stomach cramps and nausea. Within hours, the hallways were filled with the sound of coughing, retching and hurried footsteps as parents and teachers scrambled to understand what was happening.

By the end of the third day, the numbers had ballooned to almost 150 students reporting symptoms ranging from mild vomiting to severe diarrhoea and fever. The school, which serves a mixed‑community catchment area, promptly sent the sick children home and alerted the district health office.

Local doctors, after conducting preliminary examinations, concluded that the outbreak bore the hallmarks of acute food poisoning. While the exact contaminant is still under investigation, early reports point to a possible lapse in the kitchen’s hygiene standards during the preparation of the midday meal served to the students.

Out of the total affected, 38 pupils were deemed to need further medical attention and were admitted to the nearest government hospital in Kalpetta. They are being monitored closely, receiving rehydration therapy and, where necessary, antibiotics. So far, no fatalities have been reported, and the majority of the hospitalized children are showing signs of improvement.

Kerala’s health department has launched a rapid response team to trace the source of the contamination. Officials are sampling leftover food, water supplies and kitchen surfaces, while also interviewing the kitchen staff. The department has urged parents to watch for lingering symptoms and to seek medical care promptly if they notice any worsening.

In the meantime, the school has suspended its regular mid‑day meal service pending a thorough sanitation check. The administration has promised to keep parents updated and to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation, hoping to prevent any similar incidents in the future.