Shillong: Two suspected cases of meningococcal bacterial infection at the Assam Regiment Centre in Shillong have reportedly resulted in two deaths, while 28 Agniveer trainees have been hospitalised at the Military Hospital over the last two weeks.
Officials said precautionary steps were immediately initiated to contain any possible spread and protect personnel and civilians in the area.
In a public notice, the Defence PRO, Shillong, stated that all identified contacts had been administered chemoprophylactic doses of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin in line with standard medical protocols.
Preventive measures such as compulsory masking and restrictions on movement within sensitive zones have also been enforced as part of the containment strategy.
Authorities stressed that the situation is under close medical surveillance and urged the public not to panic.
Reacting to the development, Meghalaya Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said samples had been sent for laboratory testing and the government was awaiting official reports before making any further assessment.
‘Not Nipah virus’
Meanwhile, defence officials have dismissed social media claims alleging a Nipah virus outbreak at the ARC.
The Defence PRO clarified that viral posts circulating online, which spoke of a lockdown at the Assam Regiment Centre and the Guwahati Training Centre (GTC) due to a supposed Nipah infection among newly recruited Agniveer soldiers, were completely false.
The official statement reaffirmed that the cases involved meningococcal bacterial infection and not the Nipah virus.
Medical experts explained that meningococcal infection is a fast-progressing bacterial disease that can cause life-threatening conditions such as meningitis (infection of the brain lining) or meningococcemia (blood poisoning).
Symptoms typically include high fever, severe headache and neck stiffness, and require urgent medical attention.
Authorities said surveillance and preventive measures will continue to ensure the situation remains under control.
