'Public participation must to prevent Dengue'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 23 2024: Recalling the high prevalence of Dengue in the state last year, health minister Dr Sapam Ranjan has stressed the need for public participation and support to the health department to control Dengue.

Speaking at a media briefing at the conference hall of the directorate of health services here on Tuesday, Dr Ranjan informed that the state has confirmed 81 Dengue cases this year out of which 29 cases are from Imphal West, 20 from Imphal East, 13 from Thoubal, nine from Bishnupur, five from Kakching, three from Chandel, and one from Kangpokpi district.

As the number of confirmed Dengue cases was overwhelming last year, the health department is taking up measures to control the outbreak which would need public support and participation.

In the last decade, Dengue outbreak reached peripheral areas.

The situation is not only for Manipur but also experienced in other states as well.

Earlier, such cases were mainly reported during monsoon season but today, cases are detected whole year, he cautioned.

Experts suggest urbanisation and population growth as one of the main factors of the rising Dengue cases.

Nevertheless, the department is taking up measures to control the outbreak, with State Malaria Officer overseeing the measures, he said.

The minister also emphasised on the need for inter-departmental coordination for effective control measure.

ASHA workers are actively engaged in source reduction programme by visiting homes and getting rid of stagnant/ rainwater accumulation, which could become potential breeding spots for mosquitoes.

Health department has discussed with social welfare director to incorporate assistance of Anganwadi workers and helpers in checking domestic breeding spots, maintained Dr Ranjan.

He also appealed to the public to cover water tanks.

The department is taking up activities like fogging, awareness programme, medication of mosquito nets, and sensitisation programme through All India Radio, he added.

Health services director Dr O Sanahanbi, state mission director Dr M Dinesh and official of health department, NHM Manipur, Malaria department also attended the media briefing.

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