KOHIMA, AUGUST 5 (MExN): The Nagaland Department of Health & Family Welfare has issued an advisory to all residential schools, hostels and educational institutions across the state following a suspected case of invasive meningococcal disease involving a 14-year-old boy. "Based on the clinical presentation, the child is currently being managed as septic shock with purpura fulminans, with a clinical suspicion of invasive meningococcal disease (meningococcaemia)," it stated, adding that microbiological confirmation is awaited. In view of the case, the department has advised all residential schools, hostels, educational institutions and school authorities to remain vigilant for symptoms of meningococcal disease. "Although uncommon, meningococcal disease can spread rapidly among individuals living in close quarters such as hostels and dormitories. According to the department, meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium *Neisseria meningitidis* and can present as meningitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, or septicaemia, a bloodstream infection.