Nagaland reports huge spike in dengue cases

Our Reporter

Dimapur, Dec. 9 (EMN): Nagaland has recorded a total of 147 dengue cases this year, out of which nine were imported while 138 were reported from Dimapur as on December 9, 2022, informed epidemiologist, CMO Office Dimapur, Dr. Mulong.

The doctor was giving a presentation on dengue outbreak at a one-day seminar on ‘Dengue Awareness’ organised by Dimapur Government College Alumni Association (DGCAA) in the Seminar Hall of Dimapur Government College, on Friday.

He informed that data collected on dengue cases in Nagaland from 2017 to 2022 showed that most cases were reported in 2018 with the number standing at 335.

No dengue cases were reported in Nagaland in 2020 but 24 cases were registered in 2021 before it drastically increased to 147 this year.

Dr. Mulong informed that the aedes aegypti (female mosquito) transmits dengue virus to humans primarily during the day time and produces larvae preferentially in artificial containers. He added that the aedes aegypti mosquitoes are most common epidemic vector of dengue.

He informed that the disease might remain asymptomatic or manifest in three stages — classical dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, or dengue hemorrhagic fever with shock.

He mentioned that some of preventive measures include removal of potential breeding places like stagnant water bodies, water bottles, unused tires, water containers etc., while other control measure is outdoor fogging with malathion.

The programme was chaired by Mahesh Agarwal, Treasurer, DGCAA, and introductory note was delivered by president of DGCAA, K Temjen Jamir.