'Panic is not the therapy to avoid and control JE'
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, August 03 2016:
The outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis(JE) in the State is indeed a matter of concern but people should know that panicky is not the therapy to avoid or control the virus, said Dr Simte, MO, CHC Kangpokpi during the awareness programme on vector borne diseases at HM Higher Secondary School, Keithelmanbi.
The programme was organized under the aegis of National Vector Borne Diseases Control Program (NVBDCP), Kangpokpi.
"Hygienic lifestyle is tremendously important to tackle JE, asserted Dr Simte.
The immediate solution to prevent JE is to avoid mosquito bite and keeping our surrounding neat and tidy is necessary.
Use mosquito net particularly LLIN [Long Lasting Insecticide Net] provided by the medical department, wear long sleeve shirt and pants particularly those working in the paddy field." Dr Simte said.
He also said that one should be aware of the do's and don'ts instead of getting panicky.
He also informed that July to October is the transmitting period of the JE virus.
"Do not neglect routine immunization because it is the long term measure to prevent JE," Dr Simte.
He pointed out the three positive cases of JE were detected in Sadar Hills under Maphou PHC and Saikul PHC recently.
They were admitted in different hospitals in Imphal.
K Rehmunkhup Kom, Malaria Technical Supervisor, Kangpokpi said that there are more than 150 species of mosquitoes found in India of which 9 species are found in Manipur while adding that there are 8 Culex Mosquitoes of which 3 Culex Mosquitoes are transmitting JE while the remaining 5 are responsible for transmitting Zika.
He also said that Culex Tritaeniorhynchus type of mosquito is the transmitter of Japanese Encephalitis in the State.
He further said that due to lack of knowledge, minimal understanding and awareness on JE symptoms particularly in hill districts, many people get the wrong idea of JE symptoms and treat the infected persons incorrectly which rather proved fatal in some incidents.
Therefore, self-styled doctor particularly in the hill districts will be ineffective.
More than 100 students and Keithelmanbi VA members attended the awareness programme.