Nearly 20 students of the Tribal Boys Residential School at Neravada in Panyam mandal of the district fell ill reportedly due to suspected water contamination. The students complained of vomiting and diarrhea on Friday night, after which they were shifted to hospital. Health officials said that poor sanitation at the hostel might have led to water contamination. A damaged water pipeline near the sewer area might have caused the problem, health officials said, and added that the damaged part had been repaired. District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO) Dr. Venkata Ramana and others rushed to the school to assess the situation. Of the 20 affected students, four are being treated at the Government Hospital in Panyam, while the remaining students were provided medical care at the hostel itself. The health condition of the other students was also assessed and the officials informed that there was no need to worry. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav instructed the Director of Secondary Health Dr. Siri to assess the situation and extend all possible medical care to the affected children. Dr. Siri said that the medical staff had responded swiftly and provided immediate care to the children. She said that the condition of the children was stable. District Collector G. Rajakumari took a serious view of the incident and directed the Health and Education department authorities to ensure such incidents do not recur.