SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, Feb 6: After rumours of around 20 students of the Xavier Institute of Social Service had contracted chicken pox made rounds, XISS Director Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ has denied the claims and stated that none of the students at the XISS hostels and college is suffering from the disease.
The director stated, “It has been falsely reported by some reputed news organizations that 20 XISS students are infected with chickenpox. The Institute officially states that 08 students (04 students from the Girl’s Hostel and 04 others) of only the first year have complained of high fever and are suspected to have symptoms of chickenpox. These students have been sent to their respective homes.”
He further asserted that at the time of reporting of fever, it was not confirmed whether the symptoms were of chickenpox or of some other infections. The Institute is in contact with each student and is keeping a check on their health. No other students have reported any such cases till now and we are undertaking all precautions.
Dr Kujur on Monday met with the officials from the Integrated District Surveillance Program (IDSP) of the Health Department, GoJ in this regard. Dr Rajeev Bhushan and Haider Ali from the DSP visited the XISS Girl’s Hostel and Main Campus with regard to the report published.
XISS Management discussed in detail the situation with them and assured full cooperation with the health department.
Dr Kujur also stated that it was reported on Friday, that three students were running a high fever and reportedly had symptoms of chickenpox. XISS Management took immediate notice of these cases and circulated a notice on Saturday instructing the unwell students to go back to their homes and others to take proper precautions.
The first-year students are undergoing their trimester examinations, and those affected have been exempted from the exams.
“XISS is concerned about the well-being of each of its stakeholders and we are taking all precautionary measures. Panache 2023, the annual fest of XISS, is scheduled on 9 and 10 February, followed by Ven-a-Casa, the annual alumni meet of XISS, on February 11, 2023, which will take place under the guidelines suggested by the health department,” Dr Kujur concluded.
