Dimapur, August 5: A 14-year-old student of Sainik School Punglwa succumbed to a suspected meningococcal infection on the morning of August 5 at the Referral Hospital (CIHSR), Chümoukedima.
According to hospital sources, the student was admitted on August 2 and shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where treatment was initiated immediately. Doctors suspected meningococcemia based on the patient’s clinical presentation and a preliminary Gram stain showing Gram-negative bacteria.
However, blood culture results are still awaited to confirm the diagnosis.Following the student’s death, 12 other students from the school developed similar symptoms and were admitted to CIHSR. Of them, eight were admitted on August 4, while four more were admitted on August 5.
Hospital authorities said all 12 students are in stable condition, with some likely to be discharged on August 6 if their condition continues to improve.The District Health Department has escalated the matter to the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, while the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) has begun investigating the suspected cases. Blood samples from the affected students are expected to be collected for laboratory testing.Health officials stated that if confirmed, meningococcal disease can spread rapidly through close contact, particularly in hostels and dormitories, but emphasized that it responds well to appropriate antibiotics when detected early.Meanwhile, Sainik School Punglwa has initiated preventive measures, including administering prophylactic medication to students and close contacts such as teachers and wardens.
The school’s 10-bedded healthcare centre is also monitoring students for symptoms including fever, severe headache and neck stiffness.The Directorate of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory to all residential schools, hostels and educational institutions in Peren and Dimapur districts, urging them to remain vigilant, report suspected cases immediately and ensure prompt medical attention for anyone showing symptoms of meningococcal disease.
