Tengnoupal school shuts after more than 70 students fall sick
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, September 02 2025: In a disturbing development, Sita Government High School in Tengnoupal district has been closed indefinitely after more than 70 students suddenly fell ill, triggering panic among parents and the local community.

The outbreak, suspected to be a case of typhoid, or a mosquito-borne disease, has also forced the school to postpone Teachers' Day celebration, scheduled for September 5 .

The situation came to light when scores of students complained of illness one after another over the past week.

In response, the Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Tengnoupal district, in collaboration with the School Management and Development Committee (SMDC), has urgently appealed to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Tengnoupal district to immediately dispatch a medical team to the school.

The students who have fallen ill have been brought to the nearest Primary Health Centre at Tengnoupal DHQs for treatment.

However, due to limited beds at the hospital, many have been advised treatment at home.

While the cause of the illness has not been confirmed, the KSO has written to CMO Tengnoupal seeking immediate intervention to prevent further spread of mosquito-bome diseases.

"More than 70 students are currently unwell, and it is essential to provide them with prompt medical attention and prevent the further spread of mosquito-bome diseases," Mimin Mate, KSO Tengnoupal district's Education secretary stated in the letter to the CMO of Tengnoupal today.

Mimin Mate stressed the urgent need for a free medical camp and malaria fogging drive at the school premises.

While parents have raised concerns about the lack of preventive health infrastructure in rural schools, the community leaders have expressed fear that without immediate medical intervention, the outbreak may worsen, putting more students at risk.

As the school remains closed until further notice, the Teachers' Day programme scheduled for September 5 has been postponed.

The programme will be rescheduled once the health crisis is under control, said the school.

This alarming development underscores the urgent need for stronger school health monitoring systems, timely medical interventions, and stricter preventive measures against water-borne and mosquito-related diseases in the hill districts of Manipur.

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