JE, Dengue reach Ukhrul, Tamenglong
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 03 2019:
On account of changes in climatic conditions and rainfall pattern, both Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Dengue have been detected in Ukhrul and Tamenglong districts which were hitherto unknown in the two districts.
Talking with The Sangai Express, Health Director Dr K Rajo said that positive cases of JE and Dengue have been detected in urban areas and hill districts of the State on account of the rising temperature and change in rainfall pattern although the two diseases were earlier confined to rural areas.
Till 2010, there was no record of JE or Dengue in Ukhrul and Tamenglong but these days positive cases of JE and Dengue have been detected in the two districts.
Mosquito breeds which transmit the two diseases have also been detected in the two districts, Dr Rajo said.
As a general practice, awareness camps are organised and fogging exercise is carried out within one Km radius of any place where JE or Dengue is detected, he said.
Notably, the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change has already reported that the State's average temperature had risen by Celsius degree two points to four points during the past 40 years.
Taking serious note of the outbreak of JE and Dengue in different parts of the State, the Health Department has been instructed by the Health Minister to carry out an extensive vaccination campaign which would cover children between 9 months and 15 years, informed the Health Director.
He said that the department would vaccinate all children between the particular age group.
Stringent measures are being taken up to tackle both JE and Dengue at district level under Integrated Vector Control Programme and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme.
Drains which are known to be fertile breeding grounds for mosquitoes are being treated with chemicals, he said.
Meanwhile, sources informed that the total number of positive JE and Dengue cases in the State had reached 280 and 146 respectively till yesterday.
With a total of 89 cases, Churachandpur district has been hit worst by JE.
But it is Imphal West where maximum number of Dengue cases has been detected.
So far 44 Dengue cases have been detected in Imphal West, informed a source while adding that avoiding mosquito bites is the means to prevent JE and Dengue.
While the cases of JE has been declining, Dengue cases are rising in the State.
So far, JE has claimed five lives in the State even though there has been no report of any death caused by Dengue, said the source.
Whereas Dengue is transmitted through mosquito bites during day time, JE is transmitted through mosquito bites during night, added the source.