Students exposed to pesticide drift discharged from hospital in Northern Jordan Valley

AMMAN — Students of Kraymeh Al Shamilah Girls School in Northern Jordan Valley who were exposed to pesticide drift on Monday were discharged from hospital and an investigation is under way into the incident, Abu Obaida Hospital Director Mo’ayad Bishtawi revealed on Wednesday.

All 38 students who were exposed to pesticide drift received medical care on Monday and Tuesday, and have undergone a series of laboratory and clinical tests, Bishtawi told The Jordan Times over the phone.

He said that only five students were admitted to the hospital for a day, and no student suffered from a critical condition.

Education Ministry’s Spokesperson Ahmad Masa'feh, told The Jordan Times in an interview on Wednesday, that the total enrolment at Kraymeh Al Shamilah Secondary School for Girls is  880, of which 38 students were exposed to pesticide drift from a nearby farm.

The ministry immediately contacted the relevant authorities and ensured that all students were properly monitored, according to Masa'feh, who pointed out that there are no signs or symptoms of pesticide poisoning on any of the students. Also no acute cases were reported at the emergency room in Abu Obeida Hospital.

According to reports from a number of local media outlets, some parents have called for taking legal measures regarding the incident and holding those involved accountable.