Monsoon alert , EKH warns against scrub typhus, mushroom poisoning

Shillong, July 16: The East Khasi Hills district health department has sounded an early monsoon health alert, warning residents against a spike in mosquito-borne diseases, scrub typhus, water- and food-borne illnesses and, more importantly, deadly mushroom poisoning.

Issuing a public health advisory, the District Medical & Health Officer (DM&HO) urged people to adopt simple yet essential precautions to stay safe during the rainy season.

“Prevention is always better than cure and the health department is here to guide people in preventing the spread of seasonal infections,” the DM&HO said.

Residents have been advised not to allow water to stagnate around their homes, especially in old tyres, flower pots, open containers, discarded utensils and other objects that can become mosquito breeding sites. They have also been urged to use mosquito nets and repellents, wear full-sleeved clothing during the morning and evening hours, and avoid contact with flood water. Anyone exposed to contaminated water should wash immediately with soap and clean water.

The advisory also stresses safe food practices. Cooked food should be refrigerated within two hours of preparation and reheated to at least 75 degrees Celsius before consumption. People should avoid stale, uncovered or contaminated food and wash their hands thoroughly with soap before eating or cooking, after using the toilet and after handling domestic animals.

The health department has also asked residents to keep their surroundings clean, dispose of waste properly to prevent rodent infestation, avoid washing the clothes or utensils of diarrhoea patients in streams or drinking water sources, refrain from defecating near or upstream of water bodies, avoid rearing pigs close to residential areas wherever possible, and never consume wild mushrooms unless they have been identified as safe by an expert.

The advisory comes amid reports of suspected scrub typhus cases from different parts of the state, with health experts warning that such infections become more common during the monsoon.

“I would like to advise everyone to wear full-sleeved clothing, pants and socks to reduce the risk of insect bites. Children are especially vulnerable, so everyone must take the necessary precautions,” the DM&HO added.

The department also cautioned against foraging wild mushrooms, noting that changing weather conditions have made it increasingly difficult to distinguish poisonous varieties from edible ones. Meghalaya has witnessed several cases of fatal mushroom poisoning in recent years after people consumed unidentified wild mushrooms.

Schools, offices and institutions have been asked to conduct regular drives to eliminate stagnant water, maintain clean campuses, ensure safe drinking water and proper sanitation, and immediately report any unusual cluster of fever, diarrhoea or respiratory illness to the nearest health facility.

The DM&HO said that most monsoon-related illnesses can be prevented through good personal hygiene, clean surroundings, timely medical care and greater community awareness.

Also read: Meghalaya, Assam to meet soon on border row, says Deputy CM

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