Shillong: The Meghalaya Health and Family Welfare Department has issued a public health advisory following reports of suspected cases of meningococcal disease in the state.
According to officials, the State Surveillance Unit (SSU) has been notified of suspected meningococcal infections. The District Surveillance Unit (DSU) of East Khasi Hills, in coordination with the SSU, has launched an active epidemiological investigation.
The notification issued by Joram Beda, Commissioner & Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department, stated that measures such as case investigation, contact tracing, laboratory review and enhanced surveillance are currently underway.
Beda said the situation is being closely monitored and remains under control. It added that no new suspected cases have been reported from other areas so far.
Authorities have initiated standard outbreak response protocols, including identification and monitoring of close contacts and implementation of appropriate preventive measures.
As part of precautionary steps, the department has advised the public to wear masks if feeling unwell or while visiting crowded places, maintain respiratory hygiene by covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, and avoid large gatherings where possible.
Regular handwashing with soap or the use of hand sanitiser has also been recommended. Citizens have also been urged to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet to support immunity.
The department has asked people to immediately report to the nearest medical facility if they experience symptoms such as sudden high fever, severe headache, vomiting, rapidly spreading purpuric rash, or pale extremities. In severe cases, symptoms may progress to circulatory collapse, shock or multi-organ failure, officials said.
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Advising the public to remain calm, the Health Department cautioned against spreading unverified information and emphasised the importance of early identification and preventive action. For urgent medical assistance, citizens have been advised to contact the health helpline at 14410.
Meanwhile, 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.
According to medical experts, 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).
