Health Dept issues meningococcal disease advisory

DIMAPUR, AUG 5 (NPN): Directorate of Health & Family Welfare has issued an advisory to chief medical officers and medical superintendents of Dimapur and Peren districts, urging heightened vigilance for meningococcal disease in schools, hostels and other educational institutions following a suspected case reported at CIHSR Hospital.
According to the advisory, a 14-year-old boy was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at CIHSR on August 2 with fever, vomiting, hypotension, altered sensorium and abnormal posturing, which later progressed to extensive rapidly spreading petechial and purpuric skin lesions.
The department said the child was critically ill and was being managed as a case of septic shock with purpura fulminans, with clinical suspicion of invasive meningococcal disease (meningococcaemia). Microbiological confirmation is awaited.
The advisory stated that although meningococcal disease is uncommon, it can spread rapidly among people living in close settings such as hostels and dormitories. It stressed that early recognition, prompt reporting and immediate public health action are essential to prevent outbreaks.
Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis and may present either as meningitis or septicaemia, both of which can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
The disease spreads through respiratory droplets and close, prolonged contact, including coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing eating utensils, water bottles and cigarettes.
The department has advised school authorities, hostel wardens, healthcare providers, students and staff to remain alert for symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, sensitivity to light, drowsiness or confusion, seizures, a reddish-purple rash that does not fade when pressed, and cold hands and feet or signs of shock in severe cases.
It directed that any person exhibiting these symptoms should be referred immediately to the nearest health facility for medical evaluation and treatment.