24 samples positive, best option is prevention
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 13 2010:
The apprehension and the anxiety have been confirmed, finally.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, Director of Health Services, Dr Y Yaima today confirmed that out of the 27 samples sent to the Regional Medical Research Centre, Dibrugarh, 24 of them have tested positive for Japanese Encephalitis.
Significantly out of the 27 samples drawn from 27 patients, three have already passed away.
The Health Director however said that they are yet to receive the report in the written form, adding that it was telephonically conveyed today.
A report from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi, is also expec ted tomorrow he said.
A doctor along with samples was despatched to the NICD to test the samples on July 9 and the report is most likely to be released tomorrow, he added.
Since Japanese Encephalitis has been confirmed, a fresh look at the present practise of symptomatic treatment may be needed said the Health officer and added that the future course of action to be taken up is on the agenda.
Dr Y Yaima however hastened to add that since Japanese Encephalitis is a viral infection, there is as yet no curative treatment.
The only way is to continue with the symptomatic treatment, said Dr Yaima adding that prevention is the best option.
With the death toll already touching the 16 figure mark ever since this disease broke out last month, the most the State Govt has started fogging certain areas in Imphal.