By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 28: The Health Department has clarified that suspected cases of meningococcal bacterial infection at the Assam Regimental Centre (ARC) appear to be sporadic and do not indicate an outbreak.
Additional Secretary for Health & Family Welfare and Mission Director of the National Health Mission, Ramakrishna Chitturi, on Saturday said there is no cause for panic as surveillance continues in specific areas. He confirmed that no suspected cases have been reported from other parts of the state.
While blood culture tests have shown no organism growth after 72 hours, officials are awaiting the final report, expected within a day or two.
As a precaution, the department is maintaining adequate stocks of necessary medication.
The suspected infection recently led to the deaths of two Agniveer trainees at the ARC. Several other trainees remain under observation at the Military Hospital, where their condition is reported to be stable.
In a statement on Saturday, the Defence PRO said no fresh cases have been detected. “Army medical authorities continue close monitoring, and a vaccination drive has commenced for all Agniveers, healthcare workers, and primary contacts at the ARC, 58 GTC, and the Military Hospital,” it said.
Authorities reiterated that the situation is under control and there is no cause for public concern.
