Dengue year-round health concern: SMO
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 16 2025: The year-round prevalence of dengue in the state is emerging as a growing public health concern, with health officials warning that the disease is no longer confined to the summer months.

State malaria officer Dr Salam Priyokumar conceded that the health department alone cannot combat the rising threat with dengue cases now being reported throughout the year, and sought public cooperation in containing spread of the vector -borne disease.

He made the remarks on Friday during the observance of National Dengue Day at Nityananda Mandop, Singjamei Yumnam Leikai.

The event, held under the theme "Check, Clean, Cover: Steps to Defeat Dengue", was organised by the National Vector.

Borne Diseases Control Program (NVBD-CP) under the State Health Society, NHM Manipur.

Dr Priyokumar highlighted that 69 dengue cases have been reported so far in 2025 with one patient from Bishnupur district succumbing on March 2.He noted a worrying trend of year-round cases, as opposed to the earlier seasonal pattern.

According to official data, Manipur recorded 503 dengue cases and four deaths in 2022; 2,548 cases with no fatalities in 2023; and 2,463 cases with-five deaths in 2024.The state's first dengue case was detected in Moreh in 2007, and the disease has since spread across the state, he said.

Dengue is caused by a virus transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also spreads Chikungunya, though no such cases have been detected in the state so far.

He explained that mild dengue cases can be treated at home, but severe stages require immediate medical attention.

High-risk groups include small children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with co-morbidities.

The SMO cited rapid unplanned urbanisation, rising population in Imphal East and West, and increased mosquito breeding as major factors behind the growing prevalence.

He emphasised the importance of early precautions before peak months of August and September, advising the public to wear long clothing, eliminate breeding sites, and observe weekly "dry days".

Yumnam Joybala, wife of Singjamei MLA Y Khemchand, and Urban Health Centre Singjamei MO in-charge Dr N Haraba attended the observance as chief guest and president respectively, while, Nityananda Mandop Lai Committee president Yumnam Mathang, and IBSA Club, Yumnam Leikai vice-president RK Maipaksana attended as guests of honour.

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