On the morning of the 19th, officials at Kumatori Junior High School in Osaka Prefecture reported that more than 60 students and staff were experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. The local education board conducted checks across all eight public elementary and junior high schools in the area and confirmed that a total of 280 individuals, including students, teachers, and staff, were suffering from the same symptoms. Fortunately, there have been no reports of severe cases requiring hospitalization.

In response to the alarming number of cases, the Kumatori education board decided to temporarily close all schools on the morning of the 19th. Moreover, it was announced that the provision of school lunches would be halted on the 23rd to prevent any potential spread of illness. The local authorities are concerned that this could be a case of a collective infection or food poisoning, prompting them to notify the Izumisano Health Center to investigate the cause behind these symptoms.

This incident highlights serious health concerns within educational institutions, as collective health issues can rapidly spread among children. The authorities are taking precautionary measures not only to ensure student safety but also to investigate the source of the outbreak to prevent future occurrences. Parents and the community are kept informed as the investigation proceeds, reflecting the need for vigilance in public health, especially in schools.