Mid-Day Meal Contamination Leads to Rabies Vaccination for 78 Students in Baloda Bazar

A significant health scare unfolded in Baloda Bazar, Chhattisgarh, where 78 students received anti-rabies vaccinations due to a contaminated mid-day meal at a government school. The food, which was intended for the students, was exposed to a stray dog, resulting in contamination. School authorities proceeded with serving the contaminated food despite knowing about the incident. The incident happened on July 29th at the government middle school located in Lachhanpur, Palari block. An inquiry is currently underway to assess the circumstances surrounding the event. Reports indicate that a stray dog contaminated the vegetables meant for the mid-day meal. Despite students alerting the teachers, the self-help group responsible for food preparation disregarded the warnings and served the vegetables. Approximately 84 students consumed the contaminated food. Following this, parents expressed their concerns and called for strict action, including the removal of the self-help group responsible for overlooking the contamination. Health officials confirmed that the vaccine was a preventive measure, with no immediate adverse effects. The vaccination was administered based on the demands of the community, parents, and the School Management Committee (SMC).