Coimbatore Nursing College Gastrointestinal Outbreak Worsens: 17 More Students Hospitalized
In a concerning development in Coimbatore, seventeen additional students from a nursing college hostel located in Thudiyalur were hospitalized on Tuesday after reporting severe symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. This fresh wave of illnesses has significantly escalated the ongoing health crisis at the educational institution, drawing urgent attention from local authorities and health officials.
Rising Case Count and Current Medical Status
The latest admissions bring the total number of affected students to fifty-eight, following an initial outbreak over the weekend where forty-one hostellers had complained of similar gastrointestinal distress. Of those earlier cases, thirty-five students have since recovered, but six required admission to a private hospital for more intensive care, including intravenous fluids and close observation.
With the new hospitalizations, twenty-three students are currently under medical treatment. Health officials have reported that all patients are in stable condition, receiving necessary fluids and monitoring to manage their symptoms effectively. The situation remains fluid, with medical teams on high alert for any further complications.
Official Response and Preventive Measures
Officials from the Coimbatore Corporation are actively monitoring the outbreak, coordinating with healthcare providers to ensure timely intervention. In response to the escalating health concerns, the nursing college administration has declared a ten-day holiday for students, effective from Tuesday, to facilitate recovery and prevent potential spread.
Simultaneously, the Food Safety Department has taken swift action by collecting samples of the drinking water supplied to the hostel. These samples have been sent for detailed laboratory testing to identify the source of contamination. Preliminary suspicions point to the water, which was delivered via tankers, as the likely culprit behind the gastrointestinal issues.
Investigation and Ongoing Surveillance
Authorities have intensified surveillance and preventive measures at the hostel to curb further infections. This includes enhanced sanitation protocols, regular health checks, and public awareness campaigns about hygiene practices. The investigation into the water supply is ongoing, with results expected to guide future safety measures.
The community and college stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant as officials work to resolve this public health incident promptly and ensure the well-being of all students.
