Mass Outbreak of TB in NIT Silchar Raises Concern, Dean makes screening test "mandatory"

National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar finds itself grappling with a significant Tuberculosis (TB) outbreak, with reports indicating 11 confirmed cases among students and numerous others under suspicion. The situation has prompted urgent action from the Dean for Students’ Welfare, who has swiftly rolled out a series of preventive measures in response.

The outbreak, which has primarily affected Hostel 9A, 9B, and 9C, housing approximately 1000 students who share dining facilities, has raised alarm bells within the NIT community. Sources close to the development revealed that some students have opted to return home upon learning of the outbreak, with concerns mounting over potential transmission during transit.

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the Dean for Students’ Welfare has issued a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at curbing the spread of TB within the campus premises. In a bid to address the outbreak swiftly and comprehensively, the District Administration has announced plans to conduct a mass testing drive at NIT Silchar on March 19.

“SOPs for boarders of hostel to prevent the spread of TB,” issued by the Dean SW, suggests,

1:Wearing of masks inside as well as outside the hostel is mandatory.

2:Housekeeping and kitchen staff must use masks mandatorily during their working hours.

3. Dinning time in each hostel is extended from 7 PM to 10 PM. The gathering during the lunch / dinner to should be minimized.

4. Consumption of food in the stalls outside the campus is strictly prohibited.

5. One central team comprising of Dean and Associate Deans and one dedicated team comprising of Associate wardens, will monitor the overall hygiene of the hostel on a regular basis.

6. Every boarder will have to comply with procedure for screening test for TB. The screening test will be done hostel wise.