Japanese Encephalitis alarm set at ease
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 23 2014 : The Directorate of Health and Family Welfare has initiated an investigation on the recent reports that some parts of Manipur, mainly along the border areas, have been infected by Japanese Encephalitis, Dengue and Scrub Typhus.

"The investigation did not find any positive case so far.

The people of the State may stay at ease", Director of the Health and Family Welfare, Dr O Ibomcha Singh stated in a meeting held along with some selected reporters at his office chamber, today.

Dr O Ibomcha further stated that the department has now prepared to organise several camps and campaigns as a measure to control the issue and find out if there is any infected person by the said diseases at all.

Director Family Welfare & Mission Director National Health Mission- Press Briefing On Japanese Enciphalitis, Dengue Fever & Scrub at Director Office Chamber : Pix - N Johnson Lhungdim

Few months ago, there were talks about the spread of these diseases in Moreh which is located at the Myanmar-Manipur border.

Officials of the department accompanied by a Specialist have visited and investigated the area.

As a part of the investigation, the investigators tested blood samples of 42 doubtful patients, however, the test results of all 42 samples were found to be negative.

There has been an instance in which some patients have died of Scrub Typhus in Bishnupur District, few years ago.

These investigations has only been conducted to avoid such unfortunate situations, the department is well prepared to monitor any suspected infection, said Dr O Ibomcha.

In response to the reporters in the meeting, Dr O Ibomcha Singh said, so far, there is no extra measure that is being taken to control the water logging and the rise of the river water level due to rain.

However, there is no room for panic.

The meeting was participated by Dr L Tomcha, Dr K Sashikumar and some other experts.

The State Nodal Officer(Immunisation), Dr L Tomcha, in 2010, conducted a 10 days vaccination campaign for the children who are under 1 to 15 years to prevent from Japanese Encephalitis.

The campaign was conducted in the four plain district areas and provided vaccination to over 4,10,008 people of the mentioned age group.

Likewise, a mass vaccination programme will be conducted in the five districts, Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Chandel to prevent from these diseases, affirmed Dr L Tomcha.

For the time being, the concerned authorities are set to conduct camps and campaigns at Moreh on August 27, Churachandpur on August 29 and Bishnupur in the first week of September, to prevent from Japanese Encephalitis, Dengue and Scrub Typhus.

In his statement, Dr L Tomcha further conveyed that anyone who doubts infection must consult with the related departments.