Kerala School Closed After Five Students Show Meningitis Symptoms – News18

Last Updated:March 13, 2025, 08:57 IST

A private school in Ernakulam, Kerala, has been closed until March 16, 2025, after five students showed meningitis symptoms.

A private school has been shut in the Ernakulam district of Kerala after five students exhibited symptoms of meningitis and sought medical treatment. The school will remain closed until March 16, 2025, for precautionary measures.

The affected children, all from Classes 1 and 2 of St. Paul’s International School in Kalamassery, displayed symptoms such as fever, irritability, headache, and vomiting. However, their conditions are stable, as reported by The Hindu.

Two children were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a private hospital. One of them has already been transferred to a regular ward, and the second child is expected to be moved there soon, as per the hospital’s Public Relations department. Samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Alappuzha for testing.

What Is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by an infection, which can be viral, bacterial, or fungal. The condition can be very serious and, if not treated promptly, can lead to severe complications, including brain damage, hearing loss, and even death.

According to the World Health Organisation, meningitis can affect people of all ages, but young children are particularly vulnerable. Newborns are most at risk from Group B streptococcus, while young children are more susceptible to meningococcus, pneumococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae. Adolescents and young adults are especially at risk for meningococcal disease, while the elderly are more prone to pneumococcal disease.