Nagaland government issues health advisory following death of 3 children

DIMAPUR— Close on the heels of reports about three school-going children succumbing to a mysterious illness in Changlang village under Mon district, the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare issued a health advisory on Thursday.

Public health advisory

• It is recommended to boil water before consumption by bringing it to a rolling boil for at least one minute.
• Chlorinate water using tablets (1 tablet, 0.5 mgs) dissolved in 20 L of water and use after 30 mts (contact time). If the temperature of the water is low, then increase the contact time.
• Drinking water containers must be thoroughly washed every day. Do not add clean and fresh water to stale or unwashed containers, as there is grave risk of water contamination while doing so.
• Wash your Hands with soap and water before eating food and after using the washroom. The contact period between the soap and water should be 15 to ¬20 seconds. This is an important component of personal hygiene in preventing water borne diseases.
• Wash Fruits and Vegetables with clean water, and avoid consuming raw or undercooked seafood or other food items that may have been exposed to contaminated water
• Avoiding eating stale food and other eatables left in the open
• Never keep Food and drinking water uncovered
• Avoid Swallowing Pool or recreational water; when swimming in pools, lakes or recreational water areas, avoid swallowing the water as it may contain harmful pathogens.
• Maintain Proper sanitation by avoiding disposing of chemicals, medications or other harmful substances down the drain or toilet, as they can contaminate water source. Do not throw garbage near the water source
• Avoid open defecation and urination in order to prevent contamination of water sources
• Do not allow surface water to get into the well
• Avoid water from ponds, lakes, streams and canals. If, however, you have to depend on this source, purify it by using bleaching powder or by boiling

Further, the advisory informed those experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever or any other signs of illness after consuming water or being exposed to potentially contaminated water sources, to seek medical attention promptly.

Meanwhile, the Changlang Students’ Union president Wangkhao Angtok also updated that a medical camp was organised on Thursday by the CMO Mon, led by Dr. Nyamnyei MO, Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Hangsha Konyak at Angjangyang SDO (C)H.Q where around 100 patients received free treatment.

Also read: 3 children die of mysterious illness in Mon