Health Department puts schools on alert as cases emerge in Kangan block

Ganderbal, May 22: The Health Department in Ganderbal has sounded a district-wide alert after a cluster of Viral Meningitis cases surfaced across several areas, particularly in Kangan block and its adjoining villages, prompting authorities to mobilise rapid response teams and put all schools on notice.

According to an official communication issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Ganderbal under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), multiple confirmed cases have been reported from Bella Wussan, Haripora, Arigoripora and nearby localities. Several patients have been admitted to SKIMS Soura, Srinagar, and the District Hospital Ganderbal for treatment.

The scale of the outbreak became apparent on May 12, when three patients were admitted to the District Hospital Ganderbal alone, while four others from different parts of the district were referred and shifted to SKIMS Soura, Srinagar, all in a single day. Health officials have cautioned that the case count could climb further if preventive measures are not strictly followed.

Following the emergence of cases, Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) accompanied by local health workers immediately fanned out to the affected areas. The teams carried out intensive IEC — Information, Education and Communication — campaigns to educate residents about the symptoms of Viral Meningitis, modes of transmission, and steps to prevent its spread.

Health officials also visited the schools attended by the affected children. The students are enrolled in educational institutions across the district, including schools in Kangan, Wussan, Nunner and Ganderbal town. School authorities were advised to remain vigilant and report any fresh symptomatic cases to health officials without delay.

The CMO’s office has formally requested all Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) and Heads of Institutions (HOIs) of both government and private schools across the district to closely monitor the health situation on their campuses and report any suspected case immediately to the health department.

Chief Medical Officer Ganderbal, Dr Bashir Ahmad, told Greater Kashmir that the situation is currently under control, with no fresh cases reported in the last couple of days. “There have been no fresh cases reported in the last couple of days and the situation is under control. However, we have asked educational institutions to take precautionary measures and report to the health department if any suspected case arises,” Dr Ahmad said.

Health experts have advised the public to maintain personal hygiene, avoid close contact with infected individuals, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of the following symptoms: high fever, severe headache, vomiting, or stiffness of the neck — all hallmark warning signs of meningitis.