Utkal University postpones mid-semester exams after hostel illness outbreak
Postgraduate examinations are delayed indefinitely as students in two women's hostels suffer from diarrhoea and jaundice.
Utkal University in Bhubaneswar has postponed its postgraduate mid-semester examinations indefinitely following an outbreak of waterborne illnesses in two women's hostels, according to reports by Pragativadi and Sambad English.
The university administration took action after students in Girls’ Hostels No. 6 and 7 reported symptoms of diarrhoea and jaundice after returning from festival vacations. Some students required hospitalisation.
In response, the university set up a 24/7 control room, a pharmacy, and a public health service centre on campus. Authorities also sent more than 1,000 litres of purified drinking water to the hostels.
Medical teams and state health department officials visited the campus to collect blood samples from over 30 students. A surveillance team from the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) also collected water and blood samples for laboratory testing.
In a press release, the university stated that it is monitoring the situation closely and remains in contact with hospitalised students to ensure their well-being.
Students have been told to drink boiled water and maintain food hygiene. New examination dates will be announced once the health situation on campus stabilises.