37 deaths in meningococcal meningitis, 226 cases detected

Shillong, May 5 (UNI) The Meghalaya Government today admitted that 226 cases of meningococcal meningitis have been detected in five districts of the state and 37 deaths reported so far.

Informing the House, State Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Adviser Pariong said that at least 226 cases have detected between January - May 2008, out of which 37 deaths have been reported.

Replying to a query raised by P W Khongjee(Cong), Dr Pariong said that most of the cases were detected from East Khasi and Jaintia Hills District with few cases from East Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi District of the state.

The health and family welfare minister also informed that most of the patients, who were diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis, were provided with free treatment in all government hospitals across the state, barring patients who were admitted in private run hospitals and nursing homes.

Dr Pariong also informed the Assembly that the Rapid Response Team of East Khasi and Jaintia Hills district were rushed to the affected areas for necessary investigations and to find out the close contacts of the case for preventive treatment and for further diagnosis and treatment.

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