Outbreak of Malaria this year not ruled out
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 11 2015:
Although the rate of malaria prevalence is not that high like in the past, there is still possibility for sudden outbreak of malaria in the State, experts said.
However, there is nothing to worry about if necessary precautionary measures are taken up on time by the people, they added.
Different points on prevention of spread of malaria was discussed at length at a special advocacy meeting jointly organised by National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP) and Editor's Guild, Manipur.
Taking into account the high rate of malaria prevalence in Myanmar and neighbouring States, Manipur is still vulnerable to sudden spread of malaria although less number of malaria cases were detected last year, the experts said.
NVBDCP Consultant Dr A Ritindramohon said that 120 and 145 malaria cases were detected in 2013 and 2014 respectively.
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Of the 145 cases detected last year, 39 per cent of these cases were reported from Churachandpur, 22 per cent from Tamenglong, 11 per cent from Chandel (mostly from Moreh), 8 per cent from Jiribam, 7 per cent from Thoubal and remaining cases from other districts, he added.
Ritindramohon added that the State must take up effective preventive measures as the disease wreaked havoc in Myanmar and neighbouring States last year.
2729 cases were detected in Nagaland, 13,513 in Assam, 22,247 in Mizoram, 36048 in Meghalaya and 45,885 in Tripura, he added.
As such, there is strong possibility for spread of the disease to Manipur from Myanmar and these States, he added.
ROH&W Regional Director Dr L Ashananda, who attended the function as chief guest said that malaria outbreak generally happens every five years.
Manipur had faced outbreak of malaria in 2006 and 2010, he said and added that as such this five year cycle may return this year, he added.
NVBDCP Nodal Officer Dr T Jamkhokam Kuki said that Manipur is considered a leading State in malaria control.
Public awareness is quite high and effective preventive measures have been put into place by the Government, he added.
India has set a target to eradicate the disease by 2030 and Manipur is currently in the forefront towards achieving this goal, he added.
However, it is a matter of concern that neighbouring States and Myanmar are still widely affected by the disease, Jamkhokam said.