Meghalaya launches probe into suspected meningococcal cases after two Agniveer trainees die

Guwahati: In Meghalaya’s East Khasi hills the State Surveillance Unit (SSU) has launched an epidemiological investigation into suspected meningococcal infections.

There is death of two youths undergoing Agniveer training at the Assam Regimental Centre (ARC) from suspected meningococcal bacterial infection over the past two weeks. Health department has deployed a team at ARC, and samples have been sent for laboratory testing.

A senior official in the health department who does not want to be named said the District Surveillance Unit (DSU), in coordination with the SSU, has initiated contact tracing, laboratory reviews, and strengthened surveillance measures. New cases have not been detected in other areas so far.


The official also confirmed there are no fresh cases at the Assam Regimental Centre (ARC). Army medical officials are conducting intensive monitoring, and contacts of a previous case have been isolated at Military Hospital (MH) Shillong. Masking and restricted movement protocols remain in force at the military facility.

The health department has asked people to report to the nearest medical facility if they experience sudden high fever, headache, vomiting, or a rapidly spreading rash.