H3N2 outbreak: Schools in Puducherry shut for students till Class VIII

While addressing reporters, Education Minister A Namassivayam said viral infections were on the rise in Puducherry in the past few days.

In Puducherry, a holiday has been declared for students till Class VIII in all schools from tomorrow (March 16). (file)

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The Puducherry government Wednesday announced holidays for students till Class VIII in all government, government-aided and private schools in the Union Territory for a period of 11 days starting Thursday to prevent the spread of flu.

While addressing reporters, Education Minister A Namassivayam said viral infections were on the rise in Puducherry in the past few days.

புதுச்சேரி மாநிலத்தில் வைரஸ் தொற்று நோய் பரவி வருகிறது. எனவே மாணவ மாணவிகளின் நலன் கருதி ஆரம்ப பள்ளி முதல் 8ஆம் வகுப்பு வரை மார்ச் 16 ஆம் தேதி முதல் 26 ஆம் தேதி வரை விடுமுறை அளிக்கப்படும்.@BJP4India @BJP4Puducherry @JPNadda @blsanthosh @BlrNirmal pic.twitter.com/x6zZc1ZiYx

— Namassivayam (Modi Ka Parivar) (@ANamassivayam) March 15, 2023

“The Health Department has submitted a report to the chief minister that children below 18 years are mostly affected by this and hence based on that report, a holiday has been declared for students till Class VIII in all schools from tomorrow (March 16),” the minister said.

According to data issued by the health department, 35 cases of Influenza A H3N2 were reported in January, 38 in February, and 25 till now in March. During the three-month period, three cases of Influenza A H1N1 were reported.

As per the latest data, 12 Influenza A H3N2 patients including six children are currently admitted to the hospital.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian said that cases of influenza-like illnesses and seasonal flu in the state are under control and the situation does not warrant the closure of schools.

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