Schools closed in Syangja after chickenpox cases reported

By Radhakrishna Dumre,Waling, June 14: The chickenpox epidemic has led several schools in Syangja district to remain closed as authorities have intensified diagnosis, treatment and awareness campaigns.

With the first case reported from Waling, several cases of chickenpox, of late, have been reported from Putali Bazaar, Kaligandaki and Chapakot among other local levels. "One chickenpox-infected individual has also been hospitalised and is receiving treatment at the District Hospital," said Basundhara Sharma, chief of Syangja Health Office.

Sharma also informed that 13 cases of chickenpox have been reported fom Roshani Secondary School in Ward No. 3 of Putali Bazaar Municipality. Similarly, six cases have been reported from Gangalal Secondary School in Chapakot Municipality.

"One case of chickenpox has also been reported from a school in Kaligandaki Rural Municipality. Diagnosis has been intensified to identify new cases and prevent it from spreading further," said Sharma.

Health officials informed that the cases were decreasing but the risk still prevailed. "A school in Ward No. 12 was closed for a week. It has been reopened as the cases have declined recently," said Kamal Prasad Pandey, chief of the Health Section of Waling Municipality.

Meanwhile, experts suggested that schools follow preventive measures.

"Chickenpox is communicable and maintaining distance among students is difficult. Schools should operate with extreme preventive measures," said Dr. Suraj Dhakal of Gahraun Primary Hospital.

Health authorities informed that the blood samples of individuals suspected of chickenpox are sent to the Provincial Laboratory and National Public Health Laboratory as necessary.

The Gandaki Province Social and Health Ministry has also directed the local levels across the province to take preventive steps against chickenpox.

"Chickenpox is most common among children aged 8-15 years old. It also affects adults and elderlies. The risk of chickenpox increases in summer as the virus becomes more active," said Dr. Dhakal.