Mid-semester exams postponed in Utkal University due to health hazard
by Anustupa Mishra · KalingaTVAdvertisement
Bhubaneswar: Reports of a diarrhoea outbreak at Utkal University’s Girls’ Hostels No. 6 and 7 have triggered concern among students. More than 10 students have reportedly fallen ill, with one admitted to hospital.
There are also allegations of jaundice-like symptoms among some residents, although these have not been officially confirmed.
The illnesses reportedly emerged after students returned to the hostels following the festival vacation. Suspected contamination of drinking water has raised concerns, prompting the BMC Urban Surveillance Unit to visit the campus and collect water and blood samples for testing.
The university issued a press release on November 2, stating that it had taken the health concerns seriously and introduced immediate precautionary measures.
These include setting up a dedicated control room, pharmacy, and public health facility, along with supplying 1,000 litres of drinking water to the hostels. Students have also been advised to drink boiled water.
A team comprising an epidemiologist, microbiologist, laboratory technician, food safety expert and communication specialist from the BMC Urban Surveillance Unit visited the hostels.
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It collected water and blood samples for testing and conducted awareness activities on hand hygiene, safe drinking water and food sanitation.
Meanwhile, reports on November 3 confirmed that two students from Hostel No. 7 had been diagnosed with jaundice and hospitalised.
The university has also suspended the use of borewell water and initiated cleaning of hostel water tanks as precautionary measures.
Amid the health concerns, Utkal University has postponed its mid-semester examinations indefinitely. A notification issued by the Chairman of the PG Council stated that examinations would remain suspended until further notice.
The university said it is coordinating with the Health Department and closely monitoring the situation.
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