At least 45 students treated as outpatients after taking medication without eating

At least 45 students of Dowa Secondary School were promptly referred to Mponela Rural Hospital in Dowa district on Monday night after taking Praziquantel tablets without eating food beforehand.

Praziquantel tablets are being administered in schools across the district during the ongoing Mass Drug Administration Campaign for the prevention and control of bilharzia.

The affected students received supportive care and medical assessment, there were no complications, and all students were treated as outpatients and discharged in stable condition.

In a media statement on Praziquantel Administration at Dowa Secondary School dated 19th May, 2026 signed by District Commissioner for Dowa James Kanyangalazi, said preliminary findings indicate that the students had taken the medication without eating food saying Praziquantel is safe and effective.

Kanyangalazi said some individuals after taking the medication may experience temporary side effects such as stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, especially when the medicine is taken on an empty stomach.

” This incident was isolated to one school, and no serious concerns have been reported from other schools participating in the ongoing Mass Drug Administration Campaign for the prevention and control of bilharzia in the district,” he said.

The District Commissioner said the District Health Officer together with health workers and education authorities, continues to emphasize the importance of eating before taking the medication and ensuring proper supervision during drug administration activities.

He has reassured parents, guardians, and the general public that the Mass Drug Administration programme remains an important public health intervention aimed at protecting children and communities from bilharzia and related complications thanking the health workers, teachers, and medical staff for their prompt response and continued support.