Guwahati: The Meghalaya government has issued a public health advisory after suspected cases of meningococcal infection were reported in Shillong, prompting authorities to intensify surveillance and containment measures.
The advisory, issued by the State Health and Family Welfare Department, follows the reported deaths of two Anganwadi trainees who are suspected to have succumbed to meningococcal infection. The cases were traced to a training centre in Shillong, after which health officials initiated immediate response measures.
According to officials, all identified contacts have been traced and placed under close observation. Authorities emphasised that while preventive steps have been strengthened, there is no immediate cause for public alarm.
In a statement, the department said the State Surveillance Unit has been alerted and epidemiological investigations are underway. The District Surveillance Unit of East Khasi Hills, working in coordination with the State Surveillance Unit, has launched active case detection, contact tracing, laboratory assessments and enhanced surveillance.
The government maintained that the situation remains under control and that no fresh suspected cases have been detected so far. All necessary public health interventions, including monitoring of close contacts and implementation of standard outbreak response protocols, are being carried out.
As a precaution, the advisory urged citizens to wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, practise respiratory hygiene by covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently and avoid large gatherings. People have also been advised to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet to strengthen immunity.
The department cautioned residents to watch for symptoms such as sudden high fever, severe headache, vomiting, rapidly spreading skin rash, pale or bluish skin and neck stiffness, and to seek immediate medical care if these symptoms arise. It also appealed to the public not to circulate unverified information and to cooperate fully with health authorities, stressing that early detection and timely preventive action are crucial to containing any potential spread.