Cuttack: Over 40 students of Ravenshaw University have reported symptoms of diarrhoea with 25 being hospitalised since Saturday afternoon.
According to sources, the students of New PG Hostel complained of loose motion, vomiting and fever following which 25 of among were rushed to SCB Medical College and Hospital and the City Hospital.
This incident has raised serious concerns about hygiene and food safety standards in the university with the boarders demanding removal of chief warden and the mess in charge. “There have been issues with drinking water at the hotel. The food being provided is also of low quality and often stale. This has led to food poisoning,” a student told the media.
The boarders had fish curry and rice for lunch and roti and cauliflower curry for dinner on Friday. The same food was sent to Dharmapada Hostel, where some students have also fallen ill.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor is in contact with the students and medical staff. “Though the source of infection is yet to be ascertained, we are closely monitoring the situation,” said registrar Kahnu Charan Malik.
The diarrhoea outbreak before the 13th convocation ceremony, which President Drouapdi Murmu is scheduled to attend on July 15, has raised concern. Malik, however, said there is nothing to panic as efforts are on to control the situation.