Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 10:
Following reports of the death of a BSF jawan after he contracted Kala Azar and the affliction of a number of villagers of Molnom village in Churachandpur with symptoms of Kala Azar, the State Health Department has taken up efforts on a war footing to confirm the spread of the disease.
A team of doctors and medical experts have already despatched to Molnom village to investigate the case.
The BSF DIG (Manipur and Nagaland) PK Mishra had earlier informed the matter to the press and the State administration including the State Health Directorate.
Talking to reporters at his office chamber today, Health Director Dr Chandramani said that a team of doctors headed by the CMO, Churachandpur had rushed to Molnom village on September 8 to study the situation and investigate the case.
Among others the team included District Malaria Officers, Microscopists, Physicians etc., the Director said and added that their reports would soon be submitted to the Health Directorate.
Another Rapid Response Team comprising doctors and experts from Imphal would also be despatched to Molnom village, said Chandramani.
Dr Chandramani said there has never been a single case of Kala Azar in Manipur and even in the entire North East region and opined that the jawan who died of the disease may have contracted the disease outside the State.
The disease is quite common in Bengal, Orissa and Bihar, he informed adding that the symptoms of Kala Azar are similar to the symptoms of malaria.
Answering to queries, Dr Chandramani said if the cases in Molnom are found positive arrangements would be made to procure medicines and other necessities from outside the State.