Mumbai: 7-Year-Old Dies at Palghar Ashram School, 19 Students Develop Fever

Palghar, 24th August 2026: Seven-year-old student of an ashram school in Maswan, Palghar, died after his health suddenly deteriorated on Sunday, while 19 other students from the same school have developed fever and are undergoing medical observation, raising concerns over a possible outbreak of illness in the area.

The deceased student has been identified as Shreyas Shailesh Ambat. According to information from the health department, four students from the ashram school had reported symptoms including fever, cold and cough on August 22. They were taken to the Maswan Primary Health Centre for treatment and were later sent back to the school after receiving preliminary medical care.

Blood samples of the students were tested for dengue, malaria and other infectious diseases. However, no specific illness was detected in the initial tests, health officials said.

Shreyas was reportedly in good health until Saturday. However, on Sunday morning, he suddenly developed breathing difficulties. He was taken to the Maswan Primary Health Centre, where his condition was found to be critical. He was subsequently shifted to the Manor Rural Hospital in a 102 ambulance with oxygen support. However, he died before reaching the hospital.

The exact cause of Shreyas’s death has not yet been established. Health officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death and are awaiting further medical reports.

Following the incident, 19 students who developed fever have been admitted to the Maswan Primary Health Centre as a precautionary measure. Their blood samples have been sent to a laboratory in Pune for further testing. Officials are expected to get a clearer picture of the situation once the reports are received.

The development has raised concern among residents of the Maswan area, particularly as a young child from the area had reportedly died suddenly around 15 days ago. The death of the seven-year-old student, coupled with 19 students developing fever, has prompted calls for an immediate investigation into the possibility of an infectious disease outbreak.

Dr Umesh Dumpalwar, Medical Officer in Palghar, said preventive measures have been initiated in view of the situation. He added that officials are monitoring the health of the students and that Dahanu Tribal Development Project Officer Vishal Khatri was expected to visit the ashram school to assess the situation.

Authorities are continuing medical surveillance of the affected students, while the cause of Shreyas’s death and the reason behind the cluster of fever cases are being investigated.