Health: The mumps outbreak in Martshala Primary School in Samdrupjongkhar has now subsided, school authorities say.

All 139 students who were infected have joined school and returned to their hostels.

The basic health unit in Samdrupcholing dungkhag had last month confirmed an outbreak of mumps in the school.

The first case was reported on August 12 when an eight-year old boy studying in class II complained of pain and swelling of the neck. It was later confirmed as mumps.

The next day, 20 students reported to the unit followed by 50 students on the third day. Everyday, at least three or four cases were reported with similar symptoms and more than 80 students were infected by the fifth day.

Most of the infected students were sent home while few were isolated in the hostel.

Principal DR Thapa said no new case has been reported all infected students have completely recovered.

“The students joined about a week ago and attending classes,” he said. “The situation is back to normal but we’re being cautious.”

The school has 346 students, of which, 218 are hostellers studying from pre-primary to class VI. Almost all the students from pre-primary to class VI were infected.

Yangchen C Rinzin,  Samdrupjongkhar