More than 80 residents of the women’s hostel at the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College took ill following suspected food poisoning.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday after the students consumed a chicken dish served at the hostel mess, following which they developed nausea, stomach pain and other discomfort. Many of them were subsequently hospitalised at the MCH.

College Principal in-charge U. Anuja, however, stated that there is no confirmed evidence of food poisoning. None of the affected students experienced serious health issues, she said, adding that the cause of the symptoms remained inconclusive.

Similar symptoms

She added that the incident came to light on Friday when five students sought emergency medical attention for symptoms related to diarrhea. Subsequently, a few more students exhibited similar symptoms, although their condition did not necessitate medical treatment.

With over 600 students residing in the hostel, the college authorities are investigating all possible sources of the illness. Food samples have been sent for laboratory analysis.

Dr. Anuja also said that precautionary measures have been stepped up, and hygiene protocols in the hostel kitchen and the supply of clean drinking water have been reinforced. The follow-up actions are being coordinated by the Food Safety, Microbiology and Housekeeping departments.