Thane: At least 22 students and five teachers from a prominent school in Thane are suspected to be suffering from mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue and malaria. The incident came to light on Monday after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) office bearers alerted the Thane Municipal Corporation's (TMC) health and education departments.
Following the complaint, TMC officials visited the school on Tuesday and conducted an inspection of the campus.
Kamalakant Mehtre, education officer at TMC, said, “After receiving the complaint, a team was immediately dispatched to the school. During the inspection, we found accumulated debris and stagnant water in areas under construction, which were potential mosquito breeding sites. These conditions may have led to the reported illnesses among students and staff.”
In a preliminary investigation, TMC’s education team were alerted by school administration that 22 students and five teachers showed symptoms of mosquito-borne diseases. Given the seriousness of the situation, the school has temporarily shifted to online classes from June 18 to June 28 until the health concerns are addressed.
Mehtre told The Free Press Journal that the MNS youth wing had submitted a letter to the TMC on Monday, claiming that more than 45 students and at least five teachers were ill due to mosquito born illnesses conditions at the school.
“We have instructed the school administration to follow all health and safety protocols. Pest control and fumigation measures must be undertaken immediately to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, particularly in and around construction areas,” Mehtre added.
