151 cases of Dengue detected, so far
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 23 2024: Since January 1 this year till August 22, 151 cases of Dengue have been detected in the State.

Talking with The Sangai Express, State Malaria Officer Dr S Priyokumar said that 68 cases have been detected in Imphal West, 39 in Imphal East, 20 in Thoubal, 12 in Bishnupur, three in Chandel, two in Kangpokpi, six in Kakching and one in Ukhrul.

He said that maximum cases of Dengue have been detected at Mongsangei and Lalambung Makhong in Imphal West and Bamon Leikai in Imphal East.

Although Dengue tests are done in many private laboratories, only the tests done in the laboratories of JNIMS and RIMS are taken as confirmed cases, Dr Priyokumar said.

If the tests done in private laboratories are added, the total number of Dengue cases would rise, he added.

There is no medicine as yet for treatment of Dengue.

Nevertheless, it can be easily prevented, the State Malaria Officer stated.

One can easily prevent infection by Dengue if no breeding ground for carrier mosquitoes is given around dwelling houses and adult mosquitoes are eliminated, he said.

Fogging is also an effective method for eliminating Dengue carrier mosquitoes but the virus will remain alive in the larvae laid by Dengue carrier mosquitoes.

These larvae will grow into Dengue carrier mosquitoes within two/three days, Dr Priyokumar said before emphasising on the importance of eliminating breeding grounds.

A Dengue vaccine is currently in the third phase of trial.

ICMR and Panacea Biotec Limited have been working to test the vaccine on 10335 people at 18 places across India, the State Malaria Officer said.

If the trial proves successful, Dengue can be controlled very easily.

But it will take some years before the vaccine can be manufactured, he said.

He then appealed to the people to follow the advisory issued by the department and give due importance to source reduction.

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