Imphal, July 19: Recent spread of Dengue, Malaria and Japanese Encephalitis epidemic at various part of Churachandpur district has prompted state health department to swung into action for fighting the spread of the diseases. Besides, sending medical team to the villages reported with spread of such disease , the Directorate of Health Services and National Health Mission had started conducting awareness campaign free health camp. Today an awareness cum interaction program on Vector Borne Diseases with special focus on diseases like Dengue, Malaria and Japanese Encephalitis with resource persons from Department of health and services, Govt. of Manipur and media persons was held at DC Complex, Churachandpur District. It may be mentioned that there is a total of 41 confirmed cases of Dengue till 19 th July , 36 confirmed cases of Japanese Encephalitis and 1 confirmed case of H1N1 (Flu). Out of the 41 cases of Dengue 38 (92%) patients are from Churachandpur and 19 out of 36 cases i.e. 52% of Japanese Encephalitis are reported from Churachandpur district. One person has already expired from Japanese Encephalitis. The program was also attended by Shyam Lal Poonia, Deputy Commissioner , Churachandpur , and various media groups and channels invitees. Dr. K Lokendro Singh, Director Department of Health Services speaking to the media persons said that the diseases in question seems to concentrate at Churachandpur mainly as majority of the patients diagnosed hails from Churachandpur and its outskirt villages. He said that Health services alone can’t effectively counter the disease and media has a larger r ole to play in fighting these diseases. He stated that compared to previous years, this year the cases of Dengue, malaria and Japanese Encephalitis were discovered early and is under control. Steps like fogging and fumigations have been taken at the reported sites, he added. Dr . Kh Sasheekumar Mangang while speaking to the media said that concentration of such diseases in Churachandpur is because of the living style and poor economic condition of the people. He further said that fumigation and fogging are not absolute solution as the mosquitoes have developed resistances against such chemicals and they caused more harm than good to human health. On being asked by Imphal Times if there is an alternative to fumigation, he stated that a good health institution and maintaining a good and clean surrounding and proper use of mosquito nets are a better solution. The program highlighted the need of information sharing and awareness to counter the breeding of mosquitoes and stops further spread of the disease
