Outbreak Alert: 45 Students, 5 Teachers Contract Dengue and Malaria at Thane School; Civic Probe Underway

Thane, June 17: A private school in Thane city has come under scrutiny after more than 45 students and at least five teachers were reported to be suffering from mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue and malaria. The alarming number of cases has prompted the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to initiate an immediate inquiry into the incident.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) youth wing raised the issue on Monday through an official letter to the TMC’s education department. The party has urged the civic body to suspend all classes at the school until the source of infection is identified and addressed.

According to sources, parents have attributed the outbreak to ongoing construction work within the school premises. They allege that stagnant water and debris at the construction site have created a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Kamalkant Mehtre, Education Officer at the TMC, confirmed that a probe has been initiated. “An inquiry is going on. We will take the necessary steps on a priority basis,” Mehtre assured.

Concerned parents have also sent a formal letter to the school management, demanding immediate fumigation and pest control operations in and around the campus. Their recommendations include installing mosquito nets, deploying chemical-free mosquito-trapping devices, and adding more fans in classrooms to improve airflow and reduce humidity — a key factor in mosquito infestation.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among residents, highlighting the urgent need for stringent hygiene and safety protocols in educational institutions, especially those undergoing construction or renovation.