Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 07:
Under the aegis of the Manipur Vector Borne Disease Control Society, an awareness programme on vector borne diseases was held today at Kangla Hall for the PRI members of Imphal East and West and members of Manipur Nupi Marup.
The programme was attended by MLA Kh Loken as chief guest and MLA T Mangibabu as president.
Delivering keynote address, State Malaria Officer Dr H Nimaichand observed that developing countries are still unable to control vector borne diseases.
It has been accepted that creating awareness among the mass about such diseases is one of the fundamental measures to check vector borne diseases, he noted.
Of the various vector borne diseases, malaria and Japanese encephalitis are the most fatal.
The State is also facing the problems of these two diseases.
Japanese encephalitis is spread by a type of mosquito known as Culex.
Headache, fever, loss of consciousness etc are some common symptoms of encephalitis.
The disease may prove fatal if the germ enters brain.
As Culex mosquitoes lay eggs in water, it is essential to keep the surrounding areas of dwelling houses neat and clean.
As precautionary measures, one should get vaccinated and prevent mosquito bites, Nimaichand explained.
Malaria is also spread by another type of mosquito anopheles.
High fever, vomiting, headache, cold fever, excessive sweating, lethargy etc are some of the common symptoms of malaria.
If any one suffers from these symptoms, one should get checked up for malaria or Japanese encephalitis and consult doctors.
Stating that the State has set a target of reducing malarial infection by 30 percent and deaths due to malaria by 50 percent by 2010, Nimaichand stressed on the importance of creating extensive awareness among the masses about the diseases .
Later during the awareness programme, State entomologist of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme Y Krishna Singh spoke on "Problem of Malaria and Other Vector Borne Diseases in Manipur" while State biologist of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Society T Kamini presented a paper on "Integrated Vector Control Measures".
State Malaria Officer H Nimaichand also presented a paper on "Roles of Panchayat Members in the Control of Malaria and Vector Borne Diseases".