2 hrs ago

Weather-related illnesses disrupt Kolkata students’ classes and exams

Weather-related illnesses disrupt Kolkata students’ classes and exams
Down and out: Many Kolkata students fall sick, miss exams amid weather change · telegraphindia.com

Many schoolchildren in Kolkata have been getting fevers and other infections during the monsoon.

Some students became too sick to attend classes or take their exams.

Missing school made some children feel worried because they had to catch up later.

Doctors said influenza was the most common illness they were seeing, while some children had dengue, malaria or adenovirus infections.

Most sick children could recover at home, although a smaller number needed hospital care.

Schools are using different plans to help students who miss exams.

Some schools are offering retests when families provide medical records.

Teachers are also sharing notes and checking on students who are unwell.

Doctors and psychologists said getting healthy is more important than taking one exam.

Key facts

Most frequently reported illness
Influenza, according to paediatrician Shubhadeep Das.
Other infections reported
Sporadic adenovirus infections and a few cases of dengue and malaria.
Exam disruption
Students missed half-yearly examinations, block tests, computer examinations and other papers.
Julien Day School response
Classes X to XII students who miss mandatory exams can take a special retest after submitting medical documents.
Support from Mahadevi Birla Shishu Vihar
The school records medical documents, shares notes when needed and keeps updates on unwell students.
Health guidance
Schools advised sick students to stay home, while doctors urged families to prioritise recovery.

Quotes

Sreemoyee Tarafder

Consultant clinical psychologist

“Missing an exam cannot be seen as the be-all and end-all. Life will have a whole lot of exams. Health is much more important, so health has to be prioritised.”
telegraphindia.com
“Zaain was very upset. She hated leaving her half-yearly exam incomplete. It meant extra pressure and a lot of catching up for the rest of the year.”
telegraphindia.com

Sources

Related news