Shillong, April 20: The Meghalaya Health and Family Welfare Department has launched an intensive monitoring campaign in districts bordering Bangladesh following a severe measles outbreak in the neighboring country. Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla confirmed that, as of now, no measles cases have been reported within Meghalaya, including its border villages.

Clear directives have been issued to district authorities and healthcare workers to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspected symptoms to prevent the disease from spreading into the state. District administrations such as West Khasi Hills and East Khasi Hills have mandated that any case of fever accompanied by a rash must be reported without delay to the nearest health facility.

The heightened alert comes in the wake of reports of a massive surge in measles cases across Bangladesh, with 58 of its 64 districts affected. Since mid-March 2026, the country has recorded over 18,000 suspected cases and more than 160 deaths, many of them children under five. Meghalaya’s proactive measures aim to safeguard its population from the outbreak while reinforcing cross-border health vigilance.