Five students from classes 1 and 2 at St. Paul’s International School, Kalamassery, in Kerala’s Ernakulam district have been hospitalized after exhibiting symptoms consistent with viral meningitis, raising alarms among health authorities.
Confirming the suspected cases, the district medical officer stated, “We are waiting for laboratory reports. All the children are currently stable." Two of the hospitalized children, initially admitted to intensive care units, have shown significant improvement and are now stable, one already transferred to a general ward.
Following the incident at St. Paul’s International School, Kalamassery, classes have been suspended temporarily until March 16, and examinations for classes 1 and 2 postponed. Health authorities have advised vigilance, emphasizing vaccination, personal hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and avoiding crowded spaces to curb transmission.
Viral meningitis causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms typically include high-grade fever, headache, body ache, fatigue, sore throat, vomiting, and respiratory discomfort. In infants, additional signs include irritability, sleepiness, and low appetite. Although typically less severe than bacterial meningitis, untreated viral meningitis can occasionally lead to serious complications, especially among young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Doctors are advised to watch out for early symptoms and educate parents regarding preventive measures, vaccination benefits, and prompt consultation. The ongoing situation highlights the necessity for swift identification, proper clinical management, and community awareness to prevent potential outbreaks, particularly among vulnerable groups like young children and immunocompromised individuals.
