An outbreak of chickenpox has prompted authorities to suspend classes at Government Middle School Khonchipora in Kunzer zone of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. There were unconfirmed reports earlier on September 16 that at least 67 cases have been reported from three different schools. This had led to panic among parents as unverified social media posts regarding the number of cases, their spread and possible impact spread.
According to an official order issued by the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) of Kunzer, the decision was taken after cases of chickenpox were reported among students. A medical team visited the school for examination and suggested preventive measures. The medical authorities of the block are keeping a close watch on the developments so that it does not become a full blown medical emergency.
As of now, it is not clear as to what led to this sudden outbreak of chickenpox, a communicable disease. Incidentally, chickenpox vaccine is not a part of India’s national immunization program, the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is available in the market easily. It is recommended by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) for children, with the first dose given around 15 months. A second dose is given between 4 to 6 years of age, or at least three months after the first if given earlier. The vaccine can be given as a monovalent varicella vaccine or as part of the MMRV vaccine (measles mumps rubella varicella).
It is almost universally administered by most practising private medical practitioners. One reason for the outbreak of chickenpox cases could be low percentage of children being administered this vaccine in the area, a doctor said, requesting anonymity. Some children affected by chickenpox can develop serious illness but it is considered curable with medical intervention.
The order issued by the ZEO in consultation with the Block Medical Officer (BMO) of the area stated that the class work at the institution has been suspended with immediate effect. This has been done in the interest of the health and safety of students and to prevent the disease from spreading further. The suspension will remain in force until further directions are issued and updates regarding the affected students is available with the concerned BMO.
Officials said that necessary steps are being taken to prevent the spread of infection, and parents have been advised to remain vigilant about symptoms among children.
After this outbreak in Kunzer Zone of Baramulla district, medical teams have launched door-to-door visits to assess the situation. Blood samples have been collected from affected children for confirmation and to monitor the spread of the infection.
The local BMO has said that the medical teams are actively monitoring the situation to initiate “precautionary and preventive measure”. Being a communicable/contagious disease, chickenpox can spread easily between people through airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing, and by direct contact with the fluid from the characteristic red blisters of the rash. He has asked parents to remain alert and immediately report any symptoms of chickenpox in children to nearby health centres.
Officials of the Kunzer Municipal Committee said multiple areas have been sanitized as part of preventive measures. Locals, however, expressed fear that the infection could spread further among children in the area.
Meanwhile, a chickenpox case has been detected in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, over 80 km away. Doctors have examined the patient and initiated preventive steps to prevent its spread among the local population.
On the directions of District Magistrate (DM) Shopian Sachin Kumar Vaishay, a team of doctor and paramedical staff is closely monitoring the situation. The standard protocols were initiated after District Surveillance Unit got information from the residents of Block Shopian regarding chickenpox cases in Rainbow Education International School, Darul-Uloom Vehil and Eternal Success School of District Shopian. However, it is not clear as to how many children have been actually affected.
After proper check-up, only one case of chickenpox was found from Rainbow Education International School. The affected student was asked to rest in isolation at home, and his parents were advised not to send their child to school. Government medical team was providing proper treatment to him at his home.
The team of doctors is closely monitoring the situation and the situation was described as “completely under control’’ by the administration.
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