Dengue outbreak in Manipur is under control but people should take up preventive measures as it could cause serious health issues if a person is infected more than once, state malaria officer Dr Rahman Chisti said on Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference at Lamphelpat in Imphal, Dr Rahman said a total of 35 cases were reported in seven districts of the state. Imphal East reported the maximum cases of 22, from in and around the areas near hotel Classic Grande, Chingmeirong, he said. A three-day fogging and spraying has started in the surrounding areas, he said.
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Meanwhile, four suspected dengue cases were reported from Moreh on Thursday.
Speaking to the Imphal Free Press, state malaria office (IEC consultant) Gopakishore Nongthombam said that the samples of the four persons have been collected and sent to JNIMS. The results are awaited, he added.
“They initially took RTPCR tests at a private clinic in Moreh for dengue. As soon as the Malaria office was alerted of their reports, the officials went and collected the samples,” he added.
Of the four, three are from Moreh Ward No V and one is from Ward No VII. Three of them have been shifted to JNIMS hospital, sources said.
Elaborating on dengue infection, Dr Rahman said that dengue viral infection does not have a definite treatment except to control the symptoms with medication. As for the symptoms, dengue infected persons may experience vomiting and joint pain. If a person is infected with dengue for a second time then his or her health condition may become serious, he cautioned. People must take preventive measures against mosquito bites, he added.
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Aedes Aegypti, a type of mosquito that can spread dengue, can fly to a maximum of 40-50 feet high in a normal environment; however, they can travel a longer distance in a windy environment, Dr Rahman informed. He said an awareness drive using loud speakers will be conducted in the surrounding areas of Chingmeirong, Khurai and Thangmeiband. It is possible that infected tourists may have brought the disease into the state, he added.
People are advised to prevent mosquito bites by using mosquito repellents and avoid camping or trekking and to use medicated mosquito nets.
