Over 75 students infected as Chickenpox outbreaks in Baramulla schools Minister Sakina Itoo assures preventive measures, urges people not to panic

Arshad Farooq

Baramulla, Sep 16 (KINS): Panic has gripped several schools in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district after more than 75 students reported symptoms of chickenpox, prompting health and education authorities to step in and monitor the situation closely.

Minister for Education and Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, on Tuesday said that authorities were on alert to ensure the disease does not spread further.

“I have already directed the concerned authorities to take all preventive measures. We want to ensure that this disease does not spread to other students,” Itoo told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).

She appealed to people not to panic, stating that chickenpox is curable and timely treatment is being provided.

According to ZEO Kunzar, Ilhaq Masoodi, over 75 students from various schools have shown symptoms of the contagious disease. “Today, 10 students were found positive at Krishama and all have been isolated. However, schools where cases have been reported are functioning normally. We are taking all preventive measures,” he told KINS.

Chief Education Officer (CEO) Baramulla, Peerzada Bashir Ahmad Shah, confirmed that 40 students at Turkpora, 23 students at Khonchipora, and three students at another school were found with symptoms.

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

He said that the education department is in constant touch with health authorities. “Initially, the infected children developed high fever followed by rashes on the skin, but after medication, the symptoms reduced,” Shah noted.

Health officials have urged parents to remain vigilant and seek timely medical attention if their children show signs such as fever, rashes, or itching. They also advised avoiding overcrowding in schools and following preventive measures to contain the outbreak.

Meanwhile, anxious parents and local residents have appealed to authorities to intensify monitoring and provide adequate medical facilities in the affected areas, fearing the infection could spread further if not controlled in time.

Chickenpox, a highly contagious viral disease, primarily affects children but can cause complications in adults. Doctors have advised infected students to remain at home until full recovery to prevent transmission.

(KINS)