350 children fall sick after having midday meal in Bangalore

Bangalore, Sep 19: Around 350 children of a government-run Urdu primary school were hospitalised on Friday as they took ill after having mid-day meal at K G Halli here, two ministers said.

The children were rushed to hospital after they complained of head ache and stomach ache and started vomiting, doctors at the Dr Ambedkar Medical College Hospital said.

"Around 350 students have fallen ill and have been admitted to Ambedkar Hospital. Most of them have returned home after getting the treatment," Health Minister U T Khader told reporters.

"When we came here many children had gone home after getting the treatment. No one should panic and create confusion... we have to clear confusion and fear among parents and children," he said.

"... We will discuss this with the department concerned, investigate the matter and take action...," he said.

Transport Minister Ramlinga Reddy, who visited the hospital, said 350 children took ill but they were now "alright and will be discharged soon".

Anxious parents rushed to the hospital, making it tough for the police to control them.

The children were brought to the hospital around 3.30 pm with complaints of vomiting sensation, Anjaneya, Manager, Ananda Social and Educational Trust which runs the hospital, said.

He said doctors were told that a lizard was found in the food served to the children.

According to him the children were brought to the hospital and about 30 had already been discharged.

"Others are undergoing treatment. There is no serious case."

PTI