In response to the spread of viral fever in the Union territory, the government of Puducherry has declared holidays for classes I to VIII students in government, government-aided, and private schools from March 16 to March 26. Home minister A Namassivayam, who holds the portfolio of school education, made the announcement in the assembly, citing concerns expressed by the directorate of health and family Welfare, which stated that children below the age of 15 years were more susceptible to the viral fever.
According to the directorate, there have been a total of 98 documented cases of H3N2 in the first three months of this year, and the most recent count shows that twelve patients, including six children, are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals. Given these emerging patterns, the government has made the decision to prioritize the health and well-being of students and will grant them a mandatory vacation in the interest of protecting their health.
While this may cause inconvenience for many, it is crucial to bear in mind that the government’s action is in response to the potential public health risk that the spread of the fever represents. Therefore, it is important that students and their families are vigilant in practicing good hygiene habits to prevent the further spread of this illness. This may include, but is not limited to, frequent hand washing, covering one’s mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with infected persons, and staying away from crowded spaces where the spread of the illness is more likely to occur.
While the mandatory vacation may cause some disruption, it is essential that we prioritize public health and work together as a community to ensure the well-being of everyone, particularly our most vulnerable populations such as young children. Therefore, we encourage everyone to practice vigilant hygiene habits and to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms associated with the fever to minimize the risk of spread. The government will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available on this issue, and we remain committed to the health and well-being of everyone in our community.
