Rising temperature: Dengue still rampant in November
Source: The Sangai Express / Moirangthem Khagemba
Imphal, November 05 2026:
From rising temperature to shorter winters, Manipur is reeling under the impact of climate change, with Dengue cases continuing to be reported in the State in November.
At least 48 cases of Dengue were reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Directorate of Health Services.
With the vector borne disease remaining a public health concern, people have been advised to prevent water from stagnating around their homes, regularly clean water containers, cover water-storage vessels and remove discarded items that may collect water.
The State has so far reported 1,085 cases of the vector-borne disease and five deaths this year, as per the Health Directorate.
Among the districts, Imphal West is the worst affected, with 372 cases, followed by Churachandpur with 307 and Imphal East with 250, The five deaths were reported from Churachandpur (4) and Imphal West (1) .
Speaking to The Sangai Express in this regard, Entomologist of the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC), Dr Ngangom Sujata attributed the rise in Dengue cases in the State to several factors, including increasing population density, environmental changes and unplanned urbanisation.
She said that controlling the spread of Dengue requires cooperation from the public and advised people to regularly check for stagnant water in discarded containers, tyres, flowerpots and other places, as these items provide suitable breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit Dengue.
She also urged people to keep water containers tightly covered to prevent mosquito breeding.
Dr Sujata said that Dengue, which was previously considered a seasonal disease occurring mostly from June to September, is now being reported over a longer period due to rising temperatures.
She said that the rising temperatures also accelerate the development of mosquito eggs into larvae, a process that usually takes about a week, thereby contributing to an increase in the mosquito population.
Dengue is transmitted by Aedes aegypti, also known as the yellow fever mosquito and its lifespan is generally around five months.
Saying that temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius are favourable for mosquitoes, she noted that daytime temperatures in the State, however, remain above 25 degrees Celsius even in November.
Temperatures remain above 15 degrees Celsius even at night, allowing mosquitoes to remain active, Dr Sujata added.
The mortality rate of Dengue, however, is low, she said.
Stating that public cooperation is indispensable in controlling the spread of Dengue, particularly in urban areas, Dr Sujata appealed to people to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water in and around their homes, keep water containers covered and take measures to avoid mosquito bites, including wearing long-sleeved clothing.
She also suggested that people consider introducing fish that feed on mosquito larvae into water tanks to help control mosquito breeding.
She added that such fish can be obtained from the office of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP).
Dr Sujata further said that controlling Dengue spread won't be possible without the support of local clubs, meira paibi groups and self help groups.
Meanwhile, Moirangthem Bimol, an elder from Hiyangthang, said that Manipur's weather conditions has changed significantly compared to 20-30 years ago.
Saying the winter season is getting shorter and shorter, he added that November, which used to be very cold in the past, now feels like summer.
He expressed concern that winter may disappear completely in the coming years if the trend continues.
This report is written as part of the 7th State-Level Media Fellowship Programme on Climate Change, organised by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change .
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