Water Contamination Suspected as 41 Nursing Students Fall Ill in Coimbatore Hostel
In a concerning health incident, as many as 41 students at a private nursing college located in Vattamalaipalayam, Coimbatore, have reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea since Saturday night. The outbreak is suspected to be linked to the drinking water supply at the college hostel, which accommodates approximately 605 female students.
Timeline of the Illness Outbreak
According to officials from the Coimbatore corporation, the situation unfolded over several days:
- Saturday Night: Three students initially developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea, requiring admission to a private hospital for treatment.
- Sunday Morning: The number of affected students surged, with 33 additional individuals reporting similar symptoms, raising alarms about a potential widespread issue.
- Monday Morning: Five more students fell ill, bringing the total to 41 cases, highlighting the persistent nature of the health scare.
Most of the students recovered after receiving oral medications, but six students remained under observation in a private hospital as a precautionary measure, indicating the severity of some cases.
Investigation and Response by Health Authorities
In response to the outbreak, health and food safety department officials conducted a thorough inspection of the hostel premises on Monday. To identify the cause, they collected:
- Blood samples from seven affected students for analysis.
- Stool samples to check for bacterial or viral infections.
- Water samples from four different storage points within the hostel to test for contamination.
All samples have been sent to a laboratory for detailed analysis, with results expected to pinpoint the source of the illness.
Medical Camp and Ongoing Monitoring
To address the immediate health concerns, the Coimbatore corporation organized a medical camp on the college premises on Monday. Approximately 70 hostel students participated, receiving check-ups and consultations. The camp is staffed by:
- Two medical officers to provide expert diagnosis and care.
- Four nurses to assist with patient management and support.
- Four health inspectors to monitor conditions and ensure safety protocols.
Officials confirmed that the medical camp will continue on Tuesday to ensure all students have access to necessary medical attention and to prevent further cases. This proactive approach aims to contain the outbreak and provide reassurance to the student community.
The incident underscores the importance of water safety in educational institutions, especially in hostels with large populations. As investigations proceed, authorities are focused on implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
