50 children fall sick in Barguna

At least 50 students of Alirbandar Government Primary School in Taltali upazila of Barguna fell sick after taking anti-worm tablets on Wednesday afternoon.

“Seventeen of the sick kids received treatment at Taltali and Amtali upazila health complexes. None of the sick kids came to school today [Thursday],” said Md Altaf Hossain Mobarak, headmaster of the primary school.

“Md Sohel Mia, a health assistant, came to the school and had students of classes III, IV and V take anti-worm tablets around 3:30pm on Wednesday. But after taking the medicine, the kids started vomiting and loose motion.

“Consequently, fear spread among students and guardians came to school after hearing the matter.

“We sent 14 students to Taltali Upazila Health Complex and three others to Amtali Upazila Health Complex,” said the headmaster.

“Just after taking tablet we became unwell,” said Tania, a student of Class V.

Dr Sankar Prosad, Taltali upazila acting health and family planning officer, said, “The kids became unwell as they took the tablet in empty stomach. They will get well soon.”

Anti-worm tablets are being given to school kids across the country during the ongoing National Worm Control Week from October 1 to 7.