**Title:** 78 Students Receive Anti-Rabies Vaccine After Contaminated Meal
**Meta Description:** 78 students in Chhattisgarh were given anti-rabies vaccines after consuming mid-day meals contaminated by a stray dog. An investigation is underway.
**URL Slug:** chhattisgarh-students-anti-rabies-vaccine
**Headline:** 78 Students in Chhattisgarh Administered Anti-Rabies Vaccine Following Contaminated Mid-Day Meal Incident
In a concerning incident at a government-run school in Chhattisgarh’s Balodabazar district, 78 students were administered anti-rabies vaccines after consuming mid-day meals that were contaminated by a stray dog. The event occurred on July 29 at the Government Middle School in Lachchhanpur, located in the Palari block. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is currently underway.
According to officials, the stray dog contaminated the cooked vegetables intended for the students’ mid-day meal. Some students alerted their teachers about the contamination, prompting the educators to instruct the self-help group (SHG) responsible for preparing the food not to serve it. However, the SHG proceeded to serve the meal, asserting that it was safe. A total of 84 students consumed the food before the issue was reported.
Following the incident, students shared their experiences with their families, leading parents and villagers to approach the school for clarification. Umashankar Sahu, a parent of one of the students, noted that the villagers demanded the removal of the SHG for disregarding the teachers’ instructions regarding the allegedly contaminated food.
Veena Verma, in charge of the Lachhanpur health center, explained that the anti-rabies vaccine was administered as a precautionary measure, not due to confirmed infections. She emphasized that there are no side effects associated with the first dose and that the decision was made in response to requests from villagers, parents, and members of the school management committee.
On Saturday, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Deepak Nikunj and Block Education Officer Naresh Verma, along with other officials, visited the school to initiate a thorough investigation. They recorded statements from students, parents, teachers, and members of the school management committee. However, representatives from the SHG did not participate in the inquiry.
In response to the incident, local MLA Sandeep Sahu has written to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, calling for a comprehensive investigation and accountability for those responsible. He also inquired about the authority under which the children were given anti-rabies injections.
This incident raises significant concerns about food safety in schools and the protocols in place to protect students from potential health risks. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: Why were the students given anti-rabies vaccines?**
A: The students received anti-rabies vaccines as a precautionary measure after consuming mid-day meals contaminated by a stray dog, despite no confirmed infections.
