43 Students Fall Sick After a Lizard Found in School Food
In Tamil Nadu, there have been concerns about school hygiene. Students fell ill after eating food contaminated by a lizard at a school in Coimbatore. Authorities confirmed that 43 students were taken to a government hospital after they developed symptoms soon after the meal. Doctors say all of them are stable and receiving medical care.
Officials have now started an investigation into the school kitchen and food preparation practices.
What Happened at the School
According to officials from the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation, students fell ill after eating food contaminated by a lizard that was reportedly present in the meal served at the school.
A total of 43 students were affected, including 30 boys and 13 girls. Soon after the incident, teachers and staff quickly arranged transportation and rushed the students to a nearby government hospital.
M Sivaguru Prabhakaran, Commissioner of the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation, confirmed the incident and said the students were immediately admitted for treatment and observation.
Students Receiving Medical Care
Doctors at the government hospital began treatment as soon as the children arrived. Health officials stated that the students showed symptoms of food-related illness, which required close monitoring.
Medical teams are supervising the children carefully. Five doctors are currently overseeing the treatment and recovery process.
Authorities confirmed that all students are stable and responding well to treatment. Doctors plan to keep them under observation until around 9 PM to ensure there are no delayed complications.
Why Food Contamination Can Be Dangerous
When students fall ill after eating food contaminated by a lizard, the main concern is the risk of food poisoning. Reptiles such as lizards can carry bacteria, including Salmonella. These bacteria can contaminate food and cause symptoms like
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- diarrhoea
- nausea
- weakness
Children are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing. Quick medical care is important to prevent dehydration and other complications.
Municipal Corporation Orders Investigation
After the incident where students fell ill after eating food contaminated by a lizard, the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation has launched a formal inquiry.
Officials will inspect the school kitchen, food storage areas, and cooking procedures. The investigation will determine whether proper hygiene and food safety standards were followed.
The municipal commissioner stated that authorities will take strict action if they find negligence.
New Food Safety Instructions for Schools
Following the incident, the civic body plans to issue an official circular to schools across the city.
The circular will instruct schools to follow strict food safety measures, including
- regular kitchen inspections
- proper food storage practices
- clean cooking environments
- safe handling of ingredients
These steps aim to prevent similar incidents in the future and protect the health of school children.
Conclusion
The case where students fell ill after eating food contaminated by a lizard highlights the importance of food safety in schools. Even a small lapse in hygiene can lead to serious health risks for children.
Health experts advise schools to maintain strict kitchen cleanliness, ensure proper pest control, and monitor food preparation closely.
For parents and teachers, the incident serves as a reminder that safe food handling is essential to protect children’s health.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 12 March 2026
- 18:00
