Imphal, September 29: Once again a mysterious disease has broken out at Bishnupur district, this time at Phougakchao Ikhai, disclosed a source from the State Health Department.

The disease, which is yet to be identified, broke out during the first week of September and following receipts of the report, a crash message has been sent to the CMO, Bishnupur and the DC to take up all necessary preventive measures.

The information was relayed to the State Health Department by the Phougakchao Ikhai Farmers' Development Association.

The disease has mostly infected children and teenagers.

The main symptoms include, fever, nausea and dysentery.

At the moment two girls, K Devala (17) and K Sarju (18) have been admitted to RIMS hospital.

The condition of Devala is said to be critical, said hospital sources.

On top of this over 20 persons with similar symptoms have been admitted to Churachandpur district hospital.

When The Sangai Express contacted State Epidemiologist Dr N Biren, he said that a State medical team would be sent to the affected areas once a report from the Bishnupur CMO is received.

At the moment, sending a medical team is hard as there is no vehicle at his disposal, said the doctor.

The Phougakchao Ikhai Farmers' Association has also approached the PHED to inspect the water supply facility at the place, said sources.

The body has expressed deep concern that the disease may be due to untreated water being supplied to the area.

Mention may be made here that just recently the PHED was in the storm over the presence of sub-standard bleaching powder and lime worth about Rs 1 crore at their disposal.

Just as recently as September 16 a State Rapid Response Team were pressed into service at Bishnupur Municipal area to check the outbreak of a viral fever.

In 2001, 9 persons died due to an outbreak of a mysterious disease in this district and in 2003 another two persons died with the same symptoms.

The medical team which investigated the September 16 viral fever outbreak, had clearly stated that the local people were reluctant to report to the doctors and instead preferred to consult the local maibas.

This had made the job of prevention and timely medical care all that more difficult.

The viral fever was categorized as a Viral Fever with Super Added bacterial Infection by the medical team.

The State rapid Response team had suggested the setting aside of two beds for any patient showing the symptoms of the viral fever.

It had also mooted the suggestion of setting up a State Level Health Committee to monitor the situation.

Posting of a physician and a dermatologist with adequate medicine and logistic support was also suggested.

Instructions have also been issued that the report of any patient showing the similar symptoms, should be submitted to the Medical Directorate.

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