Conjunctivitis outbreak in NE: Nagaland, Meghalaya on full alert; cases decrease in Arunachal Pradesh

Nagaland and Meghalaya governments are on full alert to control the spread of Conjunctivitis (Eye Flu). In terms of Nagaland, the situation is alarming in 4 districts -Mon, Dimapur, Chumoukedima and Nuiland.

Considering the gravity of the situation the respective district administrations have ordered for closure of schools till August 26 in all the 4 districts.

Taking serious note of the situation Nagaland Health Minister P Paiwang Konyak rushed to Mon and took stock of the situation.

The minister also conducted a review cum consultative meeting with District Administration, Police, officials of the Health department in the Deputy Commissioner’s office to discuss ways to deal with the situation.

Expressing serious concern on the rise of Conjunctivitis cases, the meeting decided to close all the schools from August 22 to 28 to prevent further spread of the infectious eye flu amongst the school going children.

It may be mentioned that outbreak of dengue cases has also posed to be a serious threat. The Nagaland Health minister expressed his concern over the prevailing situation and directed CMO/MS and other medical staffs to coordinate with the district administration, CSOs & NGOs to disseminate information and awareness regarding the dengue cases.

As per inputs, Nagaland Health Minister P Paiwang Konyak has also sought support of the Assam Rifles, Red Cross, civil societies for assistance to curb conjunctivitis and dengue cases.

In terms of Meghalaya, the Health Department has sought a report from the Directorate of Health Services on the surge in conjunctivitis cases and the measures being taken to prevent the spread.

As per reports, the outbreak of Conjunctivitis is a matter of grave concern in Ri-Bhoi district. Meghalaya Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has also reportedly asked health centres across the state to be on alert and take appropriate steps.

The office of the District Medical and Health Officer, East Khasi Hills, has already issued a health advisory so as to sensitise the people and help them in thwarting the spread of the infection.

In terms of Arunachal Pradesh, as per inputs available, cases of conjunctivitis have reduced considerably. Multiple cases of conjunctivitis were reported from Itanagar, Longding and West Siang.

In Assam too, cases were reported from Barpeta and Majuli which prompted the district authorities to issue advisories to prevent further outbreak of the contagious disease.

However, no conjunctivitis cases have been reported from Sikkim and Tripura.

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