Deworming pills: Govt clarifies only 3 students had symptoms

CHENNAI: After 115 students reportedly fell ill in Salem after consuming deworming tablets, Health Department officials have clarified that only three students had symptoms of nausea and vomiting, and were discharged after treatment at Attur government hospital in Salem.

After three students fell sick of deworming tablets, which led to panic among the people, they took the remaining students, who consumed the pills.

Dr TS Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine said, "At least 290 students took deworming pills, of which three had symptoms like nausea and vomiting. All other students who had taken the tablets were also admitted to the hospital and discharged last night. They are doing well."

On Friday, Health Minister Ma Subramanian inaugurated the deworming camp at MGR Nagar Government High School campus in Kodambakkam and distributed deworming pills Albendazole to the students. The tablet was distributed across the State on the occasion of National Deworming Day.

During the event, Subramanian stated, "So far, 2,10,77,683 children between 1 to 19 years of age, 54,67,069 women, between 20 to 30 years of age have been benefitted through the scheme and Rs. 6,61,68,171 has been spent on the same."

At least 54,439 Anganwadi workers, 11,077 village health nurses and 2,650 Asha workers are working for these special deworming camps at 59,661 schools across the State. The minister added that the pills help to get rid of worms and reduce the risk of infections.

The State Health Department targets to distribute to 2 crore students on National deworming day every year to create awareness and prevent the infection. In addition, health officials fear that misinformation can discourage children from participating in these camps.