Utkal University has postponed its postgraduate mid-semester examinations indefinitely following a health scare that left multiple residents of two women’s hostels suffering from waterborne illnesses.
The decision was officially communicated via a notification issued by the office of the Chairman of the Postgraduate (PG) Council. The university administration took immediate action after reports surfaced that several students staying in Girls’ Hostels No. 6 and 7 had fallen ill with symptoms of diarrhoea and jaundice shortly after returning from festival vacations. Some affected students required hospitalisation.
“Taking the matter seriously, the administration initiated immediate precautionary measures and is closely monitoring the situation. University authorities are in constant touch with the students admitted to hospitals to ensure their well-being,” stated an official press release from Utkal University.
In response to the outbreak, state health department officials, along with medical teams, were swiftly deployed to the university campus. Blood samples were collected from over 30 students to determine the exact cause and extent of the infection, while university officials continue to closely monitor the progress of hospitalised students.
To contain the situation and prevent further transmission, the university established a 24/7 special control room, an on-site pharmacy, and a public health service centre directly on campus. Authorities have dispatched over 1,000 litres of purified drinking water to the campus hostels, and students have been advised to consume strictly boiled water and maintain vigilant food hygiene.
Simultaneously, a surveillance team from the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) visited the affected residential halls to collect water and blood samples for laboratory testing. Campus-wide awareness drives are currently underway to educate students on safe drinking practices, sanitary measures, and the importance of seeking immediate medical evaluation upon noticing early symptoms.
New dates for the postponed mid-semester examinations will be announced once the health situation on campus stabilises.
