Shillong: Meghalaya has increased vigil in districts along the India-Bangladesh border following an outbreak of highly infectious measles-rubella in neighbouring Bangladesh.Reports indicate that at least 118 people, mostly children, have died and thousands more have been infected in Bangladesh, where emergency vaccination has been launched.In a notification issued on Monday, the state health department called for stepped-up surveillance in East Khasi Hills District. “Immediate corrective measure is required in response to ongoing measles outbreaks in Bangladesh and the heightened risk in border districts and blocks. It is imperative to strengthen surveillance, early detection, reporting, and response mechanism across all sectors in East Khasi Hills District,” the notification said.The department directed that “all fever with rash cases (suspected measles) in any age group should be reported immediately,” and asked the school education department and Integrated Child Development Services to ensure “immediate reporting”.“All suspected cases (any child/person with fever and rash) identified in schools and Anganwadi Centres must be reported immediately to the nearest health facility/ANM/medical officer. Ensure close coordination with the health dept and World Health Organization (WHO) for timely investigation and response,” the govt directed.The notification also ordered restrictions on attendance for suspected cases. “Any child suspected of measles should be strictly restricted from attending school/AWC until complete recovery. The child should remain isolated at home with minimal contact to prevent further transmission. Teachers and Anganwadi Workers must be sensitized to identify symptoms of fever with rash and promptly report such cases,” it said.In West Jaintia Hills, an orientation-cum-preparedness meeting was held on April 17 at the Amlarem Sub-Divisional Office with district administration and health department officials, the Border Security Force, community leaders, and grassroots workers including ASHAs and Anganwadi workers to strengthen early detection and response in Indo-Bangla border areas.WHO Rapid Response Team member Dr B Puspakarna, stationed in the district, briefed participants on transmission risks and called for heightened vigilance.Dr A Khonglah, sub-divisional medical and health officer, Amlarem, said only a few suspected cases had been identified in the block so far and there was “no cause for panic”, but stressed that early reporting was critical for timely testing and treatment.
