Cases rise to 52 at Khurda school; classes likely to be cancelled, ETEducation
BHUBANESWAR: The number of students affected by jaundice at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Khurda district’s Gurujang increased to 52 on Tuesday. Amid the rising cases, the school administration is considering shutting down the institute for all students except those in classes X and XII to control the spread of the disease.
Principal Kabita Kar said that, while on Monday the number of affected students was between 35 and 40, it rose to 52 on Tuesday morning. “By evening, we got a few more positive cases. All these cases are being detected in students who complained of cold and fever and were sent home with instructions to isolate,” she said.
The residential school has 560 students. By Tuesday, 259 students had left the campus for their homes. A majority of these students are suffering from cold and fever.
The principal informed that they are likely to close down the institution for all classes except classes X and XII for three-four days to break the disease chain. “Since students of the two classes are appearing for their examinations now, the school will remain open for them, but utmost precaution will be taken for their safety,” she said.
While the school administration stopped PT classes and medical teams from the local hospital are conducting random sample testing of students every day, they are also being counselled to maintain hygiene and wash hands regularly.
Watco on Monday collected water samples from 12 points on the school campus, and the lab reports are expected on Wednesday. “We were told that water from five points is suspected to be contaminated, but we are waiting for the final results,” the principal added. In the meantime, Watco staff cleaned the water tanks on the campus again, and warm water is being supplied to students.
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