Shillong, April 20: No measles cases have been reported in Meghalaya so far despite an outbreak in neighbouring Bangladesh that has claimed over 100 children, Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said on Monday.
“As you all know, there is a measles outbreak in our border country, Bangladesh, where more than 100 children have died,” Shylla said.
He said the state is closely monitoring districts along the international border.
“As of now, we are in close contact especially with all the neighbouring districts which share a border with Bangladesh. As of now we have not got any kind of report from there,” he stated.
The minister added that clear instructions have been issued to field officials.
“We have given clear direction that they will be alert and report if there is any incident. As of now, no incident has been reported till today,” Shylla said.
East Khasi Hills issues public health alert
East Khasi Hills authorities have issued a public health alert, urging heightened surveillance and immediate reporting of suspected cases.
Officials have directed all departments—particularly schools and ICDS-run Anganwadi centres—to remain vigilant and act swiftly to prevent a potential outbreak. The advisory emphasizes that any individual, regardless of age, presenting with fever and rash symptoms must be treated as a suspected measles case and reported immediately to the nearest health facility, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), or medical officer.
Schools and Anganwadi centres are required to report any suspected measles case without delay to local health authorities.
Children showing symptoms are to be barred from attending school or Anganwadi centres until full recovery. Home isolation with minimal contact is strongly advised.
Institutions have been instructed to maintain close coordination with the Health Department and the World Health Organization for timely investigation and containment.
Teachers and Anganwadi workers are being sensitized to identify symptoms early. Daily monitoring for fever and rash cases has been made mandatory.
Health officials warn that measles, being highly contagious, can spread rapidly if early signs are ignored. The district administration has urged the public to cooperate with health advisories and report symptoms promptly to prevent escalation.
