Three of the five Saddle Ridge School students hospitalized after ingesting Kratom gummies remain in stable condition, according to Walker County Superintendent Damon Raines.
Raines said the incident began Wednesday when three students showed concerning symptoms at school and were taken to the hospital. A fourth student, who had gone home sick earlier in the day, later developed similar symptoms and was also hospitalized. A fifth student was taken to the hospital by a parent as a precaution.
As of Thursday afternoon, one of the hospitalized students was expected to be released. Raines said school officials have remained in close contact with parents and guardians throughout the situation.
Kratom, a substance derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia, can act as a stimulant in low doses and as an opioid-like sedative at higher doses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Kratom for any medical use.
School officials and emergency responders acted quickly to provide medical care to the affected students. All students involved are expected to recover.