Kochi School Temporarily Closes After Multiple Students Report Gastrointestinal Illness
Cardinal LP School located in the Thrikkakara area of Kochi has suspended all academic activities for two consecutive days following a concerning health incident. The decision came after twelve students exhibited symptoms consistent with diarrhoea and vomiting on Wednesday, creating immediate concern among school authorities and parents alike.
Immediate Response and Student Care
According to detailed information provided by school officials, the affected students included eight children from Class I along with four students from other grades. All twelve received prompt primary medical attention on campus before being placed under proper medical treatment. School representatives have confirmed that all affected children remain in stable condition as medical professionals continue to monitor their recovery.
The school administration emphasized that student safety represents their absolute priority, explaining that the temporary closure represents purely precautionary measures rather than a response to confirmed contamination. Classes remained suspended throughout Thursday and Friday to prevent any potential spread of illness among the broader student population.
Health Investigation and Preventive Measures
Following the incident, health authorities from Thrikkakara municipality swiftly intervened, visiting the school campus to conduct preliminary investigations. Municipal health officials collected multiple samples of drinking water available on school premises for comprehensive laboratory testing. These tests aim to determine whether water contamination played any role in the sudden illness outbreak.
Teenu Jipson, chairperson of Thrikkakara municipality's health standing committee, confirmed to media that all necessary health guidelines have been communicated to school authorities. "We have collected water samples and dispatched them for detailed analysis," Jipson stated. "The test results will help us understand whether contamination exists and guide our subsequent actions."
School Environment and Safety Protocols
School authorities clarified their standard practices regarding food and water consumption on campus. Most students typically bring both food and drinking water from their homes, though the school does maintain purified drinking water facilities for occasional use. The water available on campus primarily serves basic needs such as handwashing and cleaning rather than regular consumption.
As part of extensive preventive measures, the entire school premises underwent thorough sanitization following the health incident. This comprehensive cleaning process included:
- Complete disinfection of all classrooms and learning spaces
- Sanitization of common areas including corridors and assembly spaces
- Deep cleaning of washrooms and water access points
- Implementation of enhanced hygiene protocols as directed by health officials
Municipal health authorities have indicated that further action will depend entirely on laboratory test results. The school administration remains in close coordination with health officials to ensure all appropriate safety measures are implemented before students return to regular academic activities.
