Mangaluru: A private high school in Kadaba will remain closed for six days, after 32 cases of chickenpox were reported till Tuesday.

Puttur block education officer (BEO) Lokesh C confirmed that the school is likely to reopen on Monday. The taluk health officer has submitted a report, that 32 students are suffering from chickenpox. As a precautionary measure, the school will remain closed, and will reopen only after complete sanitisation of the entire premise, he said.

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease, caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It can cause an itchy, blister-like rash. The rash first appears on the chest, back, and face, and then spreads over the entire body. DHO Dr Kishore Kumar M said.

“The health department has suggested that the school remain closed for a week, to curb the spread of the infection, especially since it is the monsoon season, and viral infection cases are prevalent. A team of health officials visited the school to assess the situation on Tuesday. The school has been isolating children, as soon as they notice symptoms.’’

The district health department is focused on fever rash surveillance. The health officials at PHCs and other health centres, have been asked to report cases. Similarly, the field staff are also looking for symptoms among the public, during their door-to-door visits. Rashes with fever are a symptom of viral infection. “We had also informed the schools and other institutions, to monitor and inform health officials, and thus this case came to light. Chickenpox cases are generally seen during summer. However, many children have already recovered. However, there are a few active cases, so we have suggested that the school remain closed,’’ Dr Kishore said.