Maia school canteen closed after 70 students fall ill

Approximately 70 students at the Gonçalo Mendes da Maia Basic School in Maia, Portugal, have reported symptoms of gastrointestinal illness. The affected students were part of a group of 601 who ate lunch at the school canteen on Wednesday.

As a precautionary measure, the school has temporarily suspended meal preparation in its canteen while the Health Authority coordinates an evaluation and on-site monitoring. To ensure continued service, meals are being prepared at another school and will be provided to students through next Monday.

Local authorities and the school administration have stated that there have been no reports of serious cases so far. School activities remain normal, and officials are working closely with health services to investigate the cause of the illness.