Baramulla, Sept 16: Panic spread across parts of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district after at least 67 students from three schools reported symptoms of chickenpox, prompting swift action by health and education authorities.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) Baramulla, Peerzada Bashir Ahmad Shah, confirmed that 40 students in Turkpora, 23 in Khonchipora, and three in another school were affected. Medical teams were rushed to the schools, and symptomatic students were advised to remain in home isolation while their classes were suspended.
“Students first developed fever followed by rashes, but medication has helped reduce the impact. We are coordinating with health officials to ensure the situation doesn’t worsen,” Shah told news agency.
Health authorities have urged parents to monitor children for symptoms like fever, rashes, or itching, and to seek medical care promptly. They also recommended avoiding overcrowding in classrooms and ensuring strict preventive measures to contain the spread.
Meanwhile, anxious parents and residents have appealed for enhanced monitoring and additional medical support in affected areas, fearing further spread of the viral infection. Doctors stressed that infected children should not attend school until fully recovered.
Officials assured that the situation is under close watch and all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard students’ health. (KINS)
