Chickenpox Outbreak At College Of Engineering Trivandrum Forces Hostels Shutdown, Classes Shifted Online

Given that chickenpox is an airborne infection, the college administration decided to temporarily suspend in-person classes and vacate hostels to minimize exposure.

The College of Engineering Thiruvananthapuram (CET) has shut down its hostels and shifted to online classes after multiple cases of chickenpox were reported among students. The precautionary step was taken after over five cases emerged on campus in recent days, prompting authorities to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease.

Given that chickenpox is an airborne infection, the college administration decided to temporarily suspend in-person classes and vacate hostels to minimize exposure, reported The Hindu. Both college and private hostel residents were instructed to leave by 12 noon on Thursday. The campus will remain closed to students until March 15, with all academic activities continuing online during this period.

CET authorities have urged students and parents to fully cooperate with the safety measures. Anyone experiencing symptoms like fever, rash, or fatigue is advised to seek medical attention immediately and avoid close contact with others.

This is not the first instance of a chickenpox outbreak at CET. In February 2018, 19 students—mostly hostel residents—were affected, leading to a two-week shutdown, as per a report on Times of India. The recurrence of the disease has raised concerns over hygiene and preventive measures on campus.

Chickenpox Outbreak: District Authorities Ramp Up Measure

District health authorities have assured that preventive measures are being ramped up to contain chickenpox and other seasonal infections. Public health centers, community health facilities, and district hospitals have been directed to stay prepared for potential cases, as per the reports.

Monitoring committees at the ward, panchayat, and block levels will assess the situation in the coming days and implement necessary precautions. Awareness campaigns will also be conducted to educate students and the public on hygiene practices, safe water consumption, and disease prevention.

Health officials are also focusing on migrant labour camps, which often face heightened risks due to overcrowding and limited healthcare access. Efforts are underway to educate workers on infectious disease prevention and ensure timely medical intervention if needed.

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