As many as 16 children, from Hegalathi village in Singanabidare Gram Panchayat limits in Tirthahalli taluk, suffering from viral fever, cough and cold, have been hospitalised.
Venkatesh B.C., District Health Officer, told The Hindu that, on Thursday, as many as 28 children between Classes 1 to 4 at Government Lower Primary School in the village had complained of fever, cold and cough. They were treated at the local primary health centre.
As the health condition of 16 deteriorated on Friday, 12 were admitted to McGann Hospital, a government-hospital attached to Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences in Shivamogga city, and four others were admitted to Government J.C. Hospital in Tirthahalli town.
Mr. Venkatesh said the health of all 16 was stable. Their blood samples and throat swabs have been sent for tests. A team of officials of Department of Health and Family Welfare has visited the village to probe into the source from which the children might have contracted the infection and to create awareness among villagers on measures to be taken to prevent the spread of the viral disease.
