Local authority decides to suspend the production of all chemical factories at a local industrial park in east China’s Jiangsu province, on April 20, 2016. [Photo: thepaper.cn]

A number of parents whose children attend the same primary school in east China's Jiangsu Province have reported similar medical conditions among their children.

According news outlet The Paper, almost half of the 50 students in one class at the school are suffering from nose-bleeding, itching, rashes, coughing, or other complicated symptoms.

Some of the parents alleged that they noticed irritant smells at the school. They suspect that the smell comes from chemical factories near the school, which they believe are the main causes of their children's symptoms.

The local authorities have said that an investigation is underway, adding they will publish the results online once they are available.

The local authorities said that they have mandated three chemical factories near the school to suspend their operation. Another two will follow suit on April 20.

The school insists on continuing all school activities as usual. Some parents have submitted their requests to suspend classes.

Last week, students were found suffering from similar medical conditions at a middle school in the same province. The incident was also related to pollutants.