Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 1
An outbreak of a skin infection at a school in Mon town initially caused concern among citizens, leading to fears of a possible monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak. However, local health authorities have assured the public and clarified that the infection is localised and unrelated to monkeypox, and necessary preventive measures have been implemented.
As per official, four students at the Kongjong Montessori School exhibited red sores on their faces, prompting the temporary suspension of classes. Alarmed by the news, the district-chapter of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) alerted the district’s medical authorities.
Reportedly, this initially caused panic among parents, with the matter even reaching the office of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Mon.
Taking stock of the situation, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of District Hospital Mon, Dr Supongmenla clarified that it was a case of ‘impetigo’ a common but contagious skin infection, mainly infecting small children.
She explained that impetigo is seasonal in nature and caused by bacteria being left untreated.
So far only four children were known to be infected with it in the school, the CMO said. Assuring that, they have been given proper ointments and syrup for consumption to treat the ailment.
A district rapid response team had also visited the school as well and had advised that the students be taught on proper hygiene practices, she added.
The team was also in the process of visiting the nearby houses where the students lived, to determine if the infection had spread, Dr Supongmenla added.
As a further precautionary measure, she informed that two teams will be visiting all government schools in the town as well.
Based on their assessment, if need be the team will further undergo a visit to the private school, the CMO noted.
Meanwhile, State Nodal Office, Integrated Diseases Surveillance Programme (IDSP) Dr Nyan Kikon maintained that all preventive measures were being undertaken by the district authorities in light of the matter.
He also made it clear the skin infection had no relation to the Monkey Pox disease and appealed the public not to panic about it.
“A proper report will be sent by the district team to us on Monday,” he said.
