The inmates of a government-run school at Daberi in Daringbadi block are panicked over outbreak of chickenpox. As many as 19 out of 131 inmates, in the age group of 6 to 12, have been affected by the disease.
Meanwhile, a team of doctors led by District Malaria Officer Jatin Pattnaik visited the hostel on Sunday. “The situation is under control. The affected are being treated and we have kept them in a separate room to check the spread of the disease,” said Pattnaik.
Some affected inmates left for their homes. Steps are being taken to bring them back or to send medical staff to their villages to administer proper treatment and provide medicine, added Pattnaik.
Sources said the first case was reported on September 29, and then it spread gradually as the affected came in contact with others. As a precautionary measure school authorities have been asked not to allow the affected students to go out and mix with the non-affected inmates.