Visayas State University (VSU) confirmed a case of chickenpox, also known as varicella-zoster, involving a female college student residing at Dahlia Dormitory, following a report raised by a dormitory resident on September 21.
Amaranth sought clarification from the university after a resident, who requested anonymity, reported the alleged case.
Rather than issuing a separate statement, University Health Service (UHS) personnel referred Amaranth to Office of the President Memorandum No. 1382, s. 2026.
The memorandum stated that the Office of the President received the report from the UHS on September 21 and has directed the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services (OVPSAS) for immediate action.
As per the memorandum, the university found no indication of an outbreak and is implementing standard precautionary protocols for contagious illnesses reported in dormitory settings.
Containment Measures
The memorandum directed the immediate implementation of precautionary measures recommended by UHS in coordination with the Dahlia Dormitory adviser.
These measures include the isolation of the affected student until her lesions have dried and crusted and she is assessed as no longer infectious, identification and assessment of close contacts with significant exposure, and active monitoring of exposed individuals for 10 to 21 days following exposure.
The university also ordered reinforced hygiene practices within the dormitory, including handwashing, respiratory hygiene, adequate ventilation, environmental cleaning, and avoiding the sharing of personal items. Continuous monitoring by the UHS infection prevention and control nurse was also directed.
In an interview, the resident shared that the UHS nurse has been monitoring the condition of quarantined students remotely through Messenger and instructing residents to report any symptoms.
“Through messenger, mag update lang sige ang nurse sa amo kung naa ba mi gipamati” they explained.
The memorandum further stated that the names of identified close contacts will be handled with due regard to the Data Privacy Act and applicable university policies.
Academic Concerns Amid Midterms
With midterm examinations approaching, a resident raised concerns over how affected students will catch up on missed coursework.
"Para namo, mas maajo unta nga maka balik namis among mga klase kay dako jud epekto sa amo hapit na raba midterm ug lisod para namo ang magbuhat sa tanan lackings activities, quizzes ug exam labi nag dli mi tugtan mosulod sa klase kay lagi na’y contact sa patient.
The resident said the two- to three-week period has affected students’ ability to complete academic requirements ahead of midterms, adding that the extended absence has made it difficult to catch up with missed activities, quizzes, and examinations.
Those affected also appealed to instructors to consider extending deadlines or providing alternative activities for requirements missed during class.
Resolution for Affected Students
The memorandum directed coordination with the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the concerned academic units regarding academic arrangements for the diagnosed student, which may include excusal from face-to-face classes and, when warranted, participation through synchronous or asynchronous learning modalities during the period of isolation.
The arrangements are to be coordinated with concerned faculty members and academic units to allow the affected student to continue academic requirements while observing the health measures recommended by UHS.
However, the memorandum does not specify separate academic arrangements for quarantined roommates and close contacts, who have also raised concerns over missed coursework ahead of midterms.
Concerned offices were also directed to coordinate closely and keep the Office of the President informed of developments, particularly the emergence of additional cases.