Advocacy Meeting Of Media On Prevention Of Vector Borne Diseases
Citizens' role in combating diseases stressed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 26, 2013: While terming the vector borne diseases scenario, common in the State, as controllable subject experts conceded that role of the citizens is the most effective mechanism to tame the calamitous multi-dimensional endemic.

Speaking as a resource person at the 'advocacy meeting of media personnel on prevention and control of vector borne diseases' today, Vector Borne Disease control, Dr a Ibochouba Singh stated that inspite of significant decrease in the number of casualties caused by VB diseases, there is need for constant vigil.

Emphasising that community disease management mechanism is one of the most effective methods in combating all diseases, he cautioned that since the past few years rise in average temperature in Manipur along with changes in the citizens' lifestyles have been providing the right ingredients for mosquitoes to multiply their numbers, which in turn means exposing the citizens to varied VB diseases.

Listing Malaria, Kala-azar, Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Filaria as some of the common VB diseases prevalent in india, Dr Ibochouba pointed out that apart from Malaria, Manipur is vulnerable to outbreaks of Dengue and JE, mainly through transmission from beyond the State's border and lack of awareness amongst the citizens.

While Malaria continues to be the most potent killer disease not only in Manipur but across the globe, there is impending threat from dengue and JE, said the expert while suggesting that simple precautions such as maintaining cleanliness of the surrounding areas is one of the most effective means to control Dengue and JE outbreaks.

Compared to waterlogged open paddy fields being the favourite spots for JE-carriers to breed, Dengue-breeding mosquitoes can multiply their numbers in any water source, including disposed containers and even in modern day home appliances such as refrigerators and air-conditioners, said Dr Ibochouba.

Citing avoidance from mosquito bites as the easiest mean to be free from VB diseases, he suggested that timely vaccination and regular immunisation of the children could be other effective mechanisms to check the disease.

Dr Ibochouba also conveyed that chemically-treated (long lasting insecticides) mosquito nets be used at areas infested with mosquitoes.

Out of about 300 mosquito species only nine are said to be carriers of VB diseases, including malaria.

Highlighting that in 1994 the state recorded the highest number of VB diseases at 7845 cases but without any fatality, which the expert attributed to advancement in detection precision and effective treatment, he called upon all concerned to contact the nearest health-care centre at the slightest suspicion of infection.

With regard to high infection number of 1994, he said that many people living in make-shift camps or exposed to mosquito bites in the aftermath of the violent ethnic clash was confirmed to be the chief factor.

Voicing concern on randomly rearing pigs at residential areas, Dr Ibochouba pointed out that piggery farms serve as the favourite place for JE carriers to breed as well as survive.

Mentioning that people living closest to pens are most vulnerable from bites of JE carriers, he said infected human being and horses are liable to face the worst case scenario in case prompt treatment is not initiated within a day or two.

He further explained that miscarriage in pigs is a clear symptom that the particular pig is a JE host.

Conceding that there is no guarantee that a particular location is free from VB diseases, Dr Ibochouba said frequent travellers are the most exposed group.

According to epidemiologist T Kamini Singh, climatic conditions of Moreh town and Churachandpur district are most favourable for spread of VB diseases, including JE and Dengue.

Recounting that these two places were also the first in the State from where JE and Dengue cases were reported some years back, he strongly recommended pro-active role of citizens in curbing outbreak or spread of VB diseases.

The resource persons also informed that apart from health care centres in most of the districts, JNIMS and RIMS hospitals are today equipped with proper equipment to both diagnose and treat VB diseases, effectively if the matter is reported at the earliest possible.

The advocacy meeting was organised by manipur State Vector Borne Disease Control Society at the conference hall of Manipur Voluntary health Association, Ningthem Pukhri Mapal, Wangkhei.

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