In the midst of inclement weather in the region, several school-going children of Chingjaroi village in the remote north of Manipur’s Ukhrul district were reportedly infected by mumps-like viral infection.
The viral infection particularly infects children between the age group of 4 to 12 years.
The infected ones show symptoms like swollen face and neck coupled with high fever. They have difficulties in chewing and swallowing normally thus rendering them to take only baby-type like food.
Ason R, 50, a father of viral infected sons, informed the Imphal Free Press on Friday evening that his two sons initially complained of feeling unease with their neck. “I thought it was just a normal complaint.
However, after a couple of days their neck and face size enlarge beyond their normal shape in addition to developing high fever and cough,” the father said.
Following reports of several school children being found infected I stopped sending them to school, he added.
“With examinations fast approaching, I fear that they might miss their exams if their condition does not improve. I only pray that they regain their health so that they all can prepare well and write their exams with sound health,” stated a visibly worried Ason.
On being asked if he had consulted doctors or went for diagnosis, he said he had not. “The only medicine which I give them is indigenous herbs, “ he added.
Sources privy with school affairs of the infection said that around 30 to 40 children at Chingjaroi village are reportedly suffering from mumps-like viral infection. Some of the conditions of the patients have improved but scores of the infected ones still show no signs of improvement.
Meanwhile, a doctor, who is familiar with the infection, said that if the infection is identified as mumps, then they could be given paracetamol syrup or tablets to control for the time being. It heals by itself within 7 days unless it goes into some complications, the doctor added.
However, patients should be quarantined at home as it is infectious, while those serious should either visit hospital or consult a doctor, the doctor suggested.
Chingjaroi village is located in the remote north of Manipur’s Ukhrul district and is home to over 1200 households; it is one of the biggest villages among the Tangkhul community.
The village is in need of community health services facilities to ensure that locals avail medical needs on time as the village is far off from district headquarters and sub-division. Absence of these basic health facilities for many decades has created untold miseries for the villagers.
Whether the village authorities or patients’ parents have informed the concerned health authorities couldn’t be confirmed while filing the report.
