51 Students Fall Ill After Consuming Deworming Tablets In Balangir

Bolangir: At least 51 students of a government-run primary school at Ghunashara village under Sainthala block in Balangir district fell ill after consuming deworming tablets on Monday.

According to the sources, the local health workers gave Albendazole-400 tablets to students of Ghunashara Upper Primary School as a prophylactic measure to prevent infections and boost their immunity to fight diseases.

However, several students complained of nausea and vomiting. At least 25 of them felt drowsy and almost fainted after consuming the tablet.

The children were admitted to Sainthala Community Health Centre. They were discharged the same day after treatment.

Following the incident, irate parents of the the affected students gheraoed CDMO office. Getting information, Sainthala police, BDO and Additional Tehsildar reached the spot.

“Such incidents have been reported earlier. An investigation will be ordered into the matter,” CDMO Dr Sugyanendra Mishra said.

A medical team has been sent to the school to check on the rest of the students, he added.

“As many as 90 students had consumed the medicine. Of them, 66 fell ill,” said BEO Flora Gloria.