Over 75 students show symptoms of Chickenpox in Baramulla schools, authorities on alert

Arshad Farooq

Baramulla, Sept 16 (KINS): Panic has gripped several schools in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district after dozens of students reported symptoms of chickenpox, prompting health and education authorities to step in and monitor the situation closely.

According to ZEO Kunzar Ilhaq Masoodi,  over 75 students from various schools have shown signs of the contagious disease.

“Today 10 students were found positive at Krishama and all these students have been isolated. However, schools where students have been found positive are working normally. We are taking all preventive measures,” Masoodi said.

Chief Education Officer (CEO) Baramulla, Peerzada Bashir Ahmad Shah, told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) that 40 students at Turkpora, 23 students at Khonchipora, and three students at another school were found with chickenpox symptoms.

“Soon after the matter was brought to our notice, we informed the health department. Medical teams were deputed immediately, and they advised that students showing symptoms should be isolated at home while their class work remains suspended,” Shah said.

The CEO said that the education department is in constant touch with health authorities to ensure the situation does not worsen. “Those infected initially developed severe fever and then rashes in skin, but after medication the impact reduces,” he added.

Health officials have urged parents to remain vigilant and seek timely medical attention if their children display symptoms such as fever, rashes, or itching. They also stressed the need to avoid overcrowding in schools and to follow preventive measures to contain the outbreak.

Meanwhile, anxious parents and local residents have appealed to the health and education departments to intensify monitoring and provide adequate medical facilities in the affected areas. They fear the infection could spread further if not contained in time.

Chickenpox, a highly contagious viral disease, primarily affects children but can also pose complications in adults. Doctors have advised infected students to stay at home until fully recovered to prevent transmission.

Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored, and necessary steps will be taken to safeguard the health of students. (KINS)