The College of Engineering Thiruvananthapuram (CET) has temporarily closed its hostels and suspended in-person classes due to a chickenpox outbreak among students. The decision comes after more than five cases were reported over the past few days.
As a precautionary measure, all classes have been shifted online for a week until March 15.
The infections were reported in both the men’s and women’s hostels, as well as a hostel facility located off-campus. The Health department has directed all hostels and paying guest accommodations in the surrounding area, numbering nearly 50 facilities, to vacate their premises for the duration of the closure.
College Principal Suresh K. said that the first case of chickenpox in the ongoing wave was diagnosed in the women’s hostel a week ago. Although the affected student had returned home, her room-mates were quarantined. However, several of them have since begun showing symptoms. Health authorities subsequently advised the closure of campus facilities under such circumstances until the outbreak subsided.
While an isolated case of chickenpox was reported in the men’s hostel a month ago, there was no subsequent spread at the time, the principal added.
The college management has intensified sanitation efforts across the campus. Despite the suspension of on-campus classes, the Principal pointed out that the academic schedule will continue unaffected with online classes.
Published – March 07, 2025 07:35 pm IST