Cusat shifts classes online amid surge in chickenpox cases

The Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has suspended offline classes following a surge in chickenpox cases.

The functioning of all departments on the Thrikkakara and Marine campuses has been shifted to online mode after chickenpox cases were reported. All infected students have left the campus, said a Cusat official.

The decision to suspend offline classes was taken following directives from the health authorities and requests from heads of various departments, the official said. Classes will continue online till October 16.

Two cases were reported last week in the hostel block of the Thrikkakara campus, with the number of cases surging this week. “We had moved the classes online already, but the health authorities ordered that this had to continue for seven to 14 days as per protocol. So, we decided to extend the classes online till October 16,” said a varsity official.

“There is no cause for alarm as all precautions have been taken. All students who were infected have already been asked to vacate the hostel and go home. We have also postponed a few scheduled examinations,” said the official.

Meanwhile, a health official said there was no cause for concern. The district reported 48 chickenpox cases this month, while 589 cases were reported in the State. A total of 31,318 cases were reported in the State this year, along with nine deaths.

Kalamassery municipal chairperson Jamal Manakadan said the varsity had been told to take suitable measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

“There are over 4,000 students on the campus, and if the disease spreads, it could lead to a huge health crisis. We also carried out cleaning on the campus along with spraying and fogging activities,” said Mr. Manakadan.