Two Agniveer Trainees Die Of Suspected Meningococcal Infection; Here's What You Should Know About The Disease

The Meghalaya government has issued a public health advisory and intensified surveillance, isolation, and preventive treatment measures. This comes after the death of two Agniveer trainees at an Army training centre in Shillong due to suspected meningococcal infection. Both trainees had developed symptoms similar to that of meningitis. The deaths occurred within hours of hospitalisation in separate cases earlier this month and have prompted a containment response inside the Assam Regimental Centre.

The state has intensified its response to contain any potential spread of the infection. Contact tracing, isolation of close contacts, and fumigation have been carried out in and around the affected military facility. These measures aims to prevent further transmission of the disease, which can progress rapidly if not detected early. Authorities said surveillance has been strengthened not just within the Army training establishment but also in surrounding areas as a precaution. In an official statement, the Health and Family Welfare Department said the State Surveillance Unit has been activated and a detailed epidemiological investigation is currently underway.

What Is Meningococcal Disease?

Meningitis causes inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that meningitis remains a significant global health threat, and it can be caused by several species of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. It can be both infectious or non-infectious in origin and requires urgent medical care.

WHO says that bacterial meningitis is the most serious type of meningitis. It is a severe, life-threatening condition that can often lead to long-term adverse health consequences. Meningococcus is the bacterial meningitis that is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.

Symptoms Of Meningococcal Disease

Some of the common symptoms of meningococcal disease, according to Cleveland Clinic are:

• Being bothered by bright light
• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash that looks like dark, discoloured
• Stiff neck
• Confusion and irritability
• Feeling very sleepy
• Difficulty walking or staying upright
• Grunting and moaning
• Joint pain and muscle pain
• Loss of appetite

Risk Factors For Meningococcal Disease

The infection might affect any person, however, some people have higher risks. These include those who:

• Are less than a year old, a teenager or an early adult
• Have a spleen injury or no spleen
• Have sickle cell disease
• Live in the same area as a lot of other people
• Take complement inhibitor medications
• Visit areas where meningococcal disease is common

Complications Of Meningococcal Disease

The disease can be fatal if affected individuals don't get medical treatment immediately. Sometimes, people may die even with treatment. Some of the complications of meningococcal disease include:

• Brain damage
• Kidney damage
• Loss of limbs
• Nerve damage
• Total hearing loss

Preventive Measures For Meningococcal Disease

WHO says that vaccines offer the best protection against common types of bacterial meningitis. Vaccines can prevent meningitis caused by meningococcus, pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Some of the preventive measures for meningococcal disease are:

• Vaccination: Get vaccinated with meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) at ages 11-12, with a booster at 16. MenB vaccines are recommended for added protection against serogroup B. Vaccines target common strains (A, C, W, Y, B) and are crucial for preteens, teens, and those with health risks like HIV or asplenia.
• Hygiene Practices: Wash hands frequently with soap, especially after bathroom use or before eating. Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Do not share drinks, food, utensils, lipsticks, or cigarettes, and cover coughs/sneezes. These habits limit bacterial spread via respiratory droplets.
• Contact Management: Close contacts of cases (household, intimate, or prolonged exposure) need antibiotics like rifampin, ciprofloxacin, or ceftriaxone, ideally within 24 hours. Monitor for symptoms like fever, rash, or stiff neck, and seek medical attention immediately.
• Lifestyle Tips: Avoid crowded settings during outbreaks, maintain rest, and stay home if sick. No vaccine covers all strains. Infants, adolescents, and immunocompromised individuals are most vulnerable.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.