By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 20: The Meghalaya government has put districts bordering Bangladesh on high alert following a deadly measles outbreak in the neighboring country that has claimed more than 100 lives in a month.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said the government is in close contact with all border districts. While no cases have been reported in the state so far, the department has directed district authorities to maintain strict surveillance and report any suspected infections.
Health officials in East Khasi Hills have already intensified preventive measures. All relevant departments are instructed to strengthen early detection and response systems to prevent the disease from spreading.
“Any case of fever accompanied by a rash must be treated as a suspected measles case and reported immediately, irrespective of age,” an official said.
The Education Department and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) have been told to ensure prompt reporting of suspected cases in schools and Anganwadi centres to the nearest health facility or medical officer.
“We have asked schools and Anganwadi centers to remain vigilant and report even a single suspected case without delay,” the official added.
Authorities are coordinating with the World Health Organization (WHO) for timely investigation and response. As an infection control measure, children suspected of having measles are barred from attending schools or Anganwadi centers until they fully recover. They are advised to remain isolated at home to prevent further transmission.
Teachers and Anganwadi workers have been trained to identify symptoms early, with daily monitoring mandated to ensure the swift containment of any potential outbreak. (With PTI inputs)
