Odisha News: Panic gripped Nalini Vidya Mandir, a school in Bariguda village under Chatikana panchayat in Bishamakatak block of Rayagada district, after dozens of children fell severely ill with vomiting and diarrhoea on Friday.
10-year-old Lagna Urlaka, a Class 4 student, lost her life on Saturday morning. More than 40 other students were rushed to the Bishamakatak Community Health Centre (CHC) for urgent treatment, where doctors continue to monitor and care for them.
According to locals and initial reports, the first cases of severe vomiting and loose motions emerged suddenly during school hours on Friday. As the number of affected children grew rapidly into the evening, anxious parents and school staff transported the sick kids to the nearby CHC.
Lagna's condition worsened after her family took her back home from the health centre. Despite efforts, she passed away early Saturday. The young girl's death has left her family devastated and the entire village in deep shock and grief.
What Caused Odisha School Health Outbreak
The exact cause of the outbreak remains unclear; no confirmed source, such as contaminated food, water, or mid-day meal, has been identified yet. Doctors at the CHC are providing treatment to the hospitalised children. The school administration has not issued any official statement so far.
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Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the trigger, whether it's food poisoning, a viral infection, contaminated water, or something else. Health officials are collecting samples and interviewing students, teachers, and parents to ascertain the original cause.
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