Mon Mar 17 16:41:26 UTC 2025: ## Nine Children Hospitalized with Suspected Viral Meningitis in Kochi
**KOCHI, March 17, 2025** – Health authorities in Ernakulam district, Kerala, have heightened surveillance following a rise in suspected viral meningitis cases among children. Nine children have presented with symptoms in the past two weeks, including fever, headache, vomiting, and irritability.
Initial tests on five students from St. Paul’s International School in Kalamassery, who were hospitalized last week, confirmed enterovirus infection. The virus is typically spread through contact with bodily fluids from an infected person. Further suspected cases include siblings of previously affected children.
As a precautionary measure, St. Paul’s International School has suspended classes until March 25th. Health officials are working closely with hospitals to monitor new cases and have urged them to report any suspected viral meningitis symptoms. Experts from the National Institute of Virology in Alappuzha are assisting in the assessment and containment of the outbreak.
First Piper 