2 hrs ago
Weather-related illnesses disrupt Kolkata students’ classes and exams
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.
A surge in fever and viral infections has caused Kolkata-area students to miss classes, exams and activities.
Doctors reported mostly influenza cases, along with sporadic adenovirus infections and a few cases of dengue and malaria.
Affected students described anxiety, disappointment and lost preparation time after missing important examinations.
Schools are offering retests, recording medical documents, sharing class notes and counselling families in some cases.
Doctors and psychologists urged families to prioritise recovery and said missing one exam should not outweigh a child’s health.
- Who
- Schoolchildren in Kolkata and nearby areas, along with their families, schools, doctors and counsellors.
- What
- Fever and viral infections have led students to miss classes, examinations and school activities.
- Where
- Schools in Kolkata, Calcutta’s surrounding areas and Howrah.
- When
- During the monsoon, with doctors reporting a rise in cases over the past month; some half-yearly examinations ran from September 7 to September 18.
- Why
- Students were affected by influenza and other infections, including sporadic adenovirus cases and some dengue and malaria cases.
Health-first approach
Academic continuity concerns
Whether students should attend while sick
Health-first approach
Schools and health professionals said students with fever should stay home and focus on recovery to avoid worsening illness or spreading infection.
Academic continuity concerns
Students and parents reported frustration and anxiety because absences caused missed examinations, classes, preparation time and activities.
How missed examinations should be handled
Health-first approach
Some schools offered retests, gathered medical records, shared notes and provided counselling to support students who were ill.
Academic continuity concerns
Not all students received a retest; one student missed block tests and was left with an absent mark despite having prepared.
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









