Schools in CCpur advised to close for 5 days to curb spread of diseases
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 01 2026: Even as the district administration and the Health Department have stepped up counter-measures to control growing number of Dengue cases, typhoid and hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), the Churachandpur District Private Schools and Colleges Association (CDPSCA) has advised schools to close for the remainder of the week from August 26 to 30 as precautionary measures.

This advisory was issued after a joint meeting with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the district, and is aimed at reducing transmission of the diseases, said the association.

The CDPSCA noted that the diseases are spreading relatively easily with some schools reporting cases among students and staff.

However, the prevailing flu and skin-related illnesses need not be a cause for alarm or panic, as most cases are self-limiting in nature.

Nevertheless, they can spread fast easily and appropriate precautions are advisable.

The advisory, it asserted, is not a blanket directive.

Each school management is requested to assess its circumstances and take an informed decision at its discretion, considering the extent of cases, risk of transmission, health and safety of students and staff, ongoing academic programmes, and applicable health guidelines.

Schools that remain open should exercise heightened vigilance and minimise crowding and close contact among students.

Wherever practicable, schools should maintain appropriate physical distancing, avoid large gatherings and assemblies, strengthen hygiene and sanitation measures, and encourage unwell students and staff to remain at home, it added.

DC convenes emergency meeting

Deputy Commissioner Krishna Kumar has convened an emergency meeting with health and education officials at his chamber at the Mini Secretariat, Tuibong, and reviewed the district's preparedness in tackling the situation.

ADC Lalrobul Fimate, CEO/ADCC Shokhongam Baite, Chief Medical Officer Dr Ph Henkhoneng Mate; Medical Superintendent Dr Kh Sania Monica; Zonal Education Officer Esther Chingneikim and several officials attended the meeting.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the Chief Medical Officer and the Zonal Education Officer to intensify awareness campaigns in villages, schools and colleges and strengthen preventive measures against the spread of the diseases.

He also instructed the departments concerned to ensure the elimination of mosquito-breeding sites within a 50-100 metre radius of residential areas to combat dengue.

The meeting also reviewed the spread of Hand, Foot and Mouth disease among children, particularly those in the 0-5 age group.

The disease is characterized by fever, skin rashes, inflammation and blisters.

Appealing to the public not to panic, the CMO said symptomatic treatment was being provided for affected children, and that there have been no fatalities.

Later in the evening, the Deputy Commissioner also visited the District Hospital and inspected the various departments He instructed the CMO and the officials to launch a dedicated helpline number and set up a dedicated cell of medical experts.

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