Health Glitch: Students Fall Ill During Anti-Filariasis Campaign

In Patna, Bihar, several school students fell ill after consuming Albendazole during a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign aimed at eliminating lymphatic filariasis. The incident was promptly addressed, and affected children were treated without complications. The MDA program continues across Bihar with no further issues reported.

In a concerning development, several school students in Patna's Athmalgola locality fell ill on Wednesday during a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign targeting lymphatic filariasis, officials reported.

The incident occurred in Ganpat Rai Tola, where students consumed Albendazole—a medicine known to occasionally cause side-effects under the MDA programme. Prompt actions by a Quick Response Team ensured all afflicted children received immediate hospital treatment, alleviating concerns of severe health complications.

While the health department assured the campaign—part of a broad initiative across Bihar—has otherwise run smoothly, medical officers remained vigilant. Filariasis, the targeted ailment, is a parasitic infection spread by mosquito bites.

(With inputs from agencies.)