Purulia, 20 September (H.S.): As many as 21 schoolgirls of Lalpur Ramani Bala High School under Neturia police station in Purulia district fell ill following a football game at the school. On Sunday, 13 of the girls were discharged from the Harmadih Block Primary Health Centre after receiving treatment. The remaining eight are undergoing treatment at Raghunathpur Super Speciality Hospital. Their condition is reported to be stable.

The incident began on Thursday when a girl suddenly collapsed while playing football and reportedly developed convulsions. Although she recovered within a short time, two other girls subsequently fell ill in a similar manner. Soon, around 13 students complained of feeling unwell, following which their parents were called to the school and the school was closed for the day.

The affected students were taken to Harmadih Block Primary Health Centre by their parents and other students and were admitted for treatment. During the course of treatment, some of the students who had accompanied them also began experiencing similar symptoms. A few more students reportedly fell ill even after returning home. By Thursday night, a total of 21 girls had been admitted for medical attention.

Interestingly, the students who fell ill included not only those who had participated in the football match but also some who had been watching the game.

Most of the students showed signs of recovery on Friday. A medical team from the district also visited the hospital to assess and treat the students. However, eight of the girls reportedly became unwell again later that night and were subsequently shifted to Raghunathpur Super Speciality Hospital for further treatment and observation.

According to hospital sources, the students had become highly frightened following the incidents. In some cases, when one student became unwell, even a healthy student in the neighbouring bed reportedly began feeling unwell out of fear and anxiety.

The eight students have therefore been kept separately under observation and are also being provided counselling to help reduce their fear and anxiety. Their condition is currently reported to be stable.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey