Panic ensued at Kanya Madhya Vidyalaya in Dhutauli Malpa village, Bihar, after a dead baby snake was reportedly found in the food served as part of the Mid-Day Meal scheme. This incident caused fear among students, leading to complaints of illness, and prompted parents and villagers to rush to the school upon hearing the news. Affected students were promptly taken to the Chautham Community Health Centre for medical evaluation and treatment as a precautionary measure.
The situation escalated quickly, resulting in a sudden influx of students at the hospital, causing a temporary rush at the 30-40-bed facility. Despite a female sterilization camp ongoing at the health center, medical staff prioritized the treatment of the schoolchildren. Additional doctors were summoned to provide assistance, and students exhibiting severe anxiety and weakness were given intravenous (IV) fluids.
Chautham CHC In-charge Anil Kumar clarified that, following initial medical assessments, the incident did not seem to be a case of food poisoning. He mentioned that the discovery of the snake induced panic among the children, leading to symptoms like dizziness, restlessness, headaches, and weakness. All students received treatment based on their symptoms and were kept under medical observation, with assurance that their conditions were stable and out of danger.
Doctors, including Brijesh and Zia-ul-Haq, along with the in-charge Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) and other healthcare personnel, actively participated in providing treatment and monitoring the affected students. Several students, such as Radhika Kumari, Komal Kumari, Ritika Kumari, Khushi Kumari, Kajal Kumari, Srishti Kumari, and Beauty Kumari, reported headaches and stomach pain, with anxiety-related symptoms being predominant in most cases. District officials, including the District Education Officer and Block Development Officer, visited the CHC to assess the situation, interact with medical staff, and review the treatment procedures.
The District Education Officer emphasized the importance of hygiene and quality standards in the Mid-Day Meal program, stressing the necessity of preparing and serving meals in a clean environment and ensuring regular sanitation of school premises. He announced that an investigation would be conducted into the incident, with appropriate actions to be taken based on the findings. The Health Department confirmed that none of the students displayed severe food poisoning symptoms and that fear and anxiety following the snake’s discovery were the primary causes of the reported illnesses.
