On 26 Feb., all NYU Abu Dhabi students were sent an email notifying them of cases of chickenpox on campus. The official email, sent by Interim Director of the Health and Wellness Center Dr. Tehmina Kazmi, provided details of the situation and of official responsive measures.

"Affected individuals have been isolated and are being monitored, and we are working with the local health authorities to ensure that any potential new cases are identified, isolated and reported quickly,” stated Dr. Kazmi in the email.

The email places significant emphasis on the need for vaccines and suggests that students “get the vaccine from [their] own doctor.” Few details about the specific number of cases or methods of isolation were divulged in the message.

Given the fact that chickenpox virulence increases with age, the need for precaution becomes even more dire. Beyond the student infections on campus, at least one candidate from Candidate Weekend Early Decision II in February also contracted chickenpox. It is unclear if the disease was passed between candidates and students, or who was infected first.

A candidate who wishes to remain anonymous described their experience of discovering the infection following attending Candidate Weekend.

“Blisters and spots began appearing on 23 Feb., almost a month after my return, which was accompanied by a high fever. The poxes and blisters began to enlarge and caused significant pain around my body,” said the anonymous candidate.

Beyond the initial contraction of the virus, the post-infection period was concerning for the candidate as well.

“The blisters began to scab, they grew intensely itchier, with rashes for a couple days,” stated the anonymous candidate. “The worst part is when you're fatigued, sore and horrified by your distorted appearance and still have to return to school.”

For this candidate, the effect on their opinion of NYUAD was twofold.

“While it hasn't changed my perception of NYUAD, it has had a negative impact on how my parents perceive the school,” stated the anonymous candidate. “As the school is very new, they understandably have their doubts about supporting my decision to come to NYUAD, and the fact that I was infected with chickenpox there did not help my case.”

Affected candidates have expressed ambivalence regarding the administration's response.

“The email could have been more apologetic, for one,” said the anonymous candidate. “[Saying] it’s possible, though unlikely, that [we] were exposed during [our] visit was a rather evasive explanation. I think that the school should investigate how the chickenpox was spread to show their sincerity in dealing with the issue, and reach out to affected candidates.”

Another candidate who also wished to remain anonymous had a more light-hearted and positive take.

“The email said that they are ready to provide us support if we just contact them. Knowing this felt really good as it was just a few days since they admitted me and NYUAD already [made] me feel like extended family.”

Students suspected of chickenpox on campus were quarantined though details of the process. Those who were infected have all chosen not to speak about it.

Employees of the Health and Wellness Center were unavailable for comment.