Nagaland
Dengue cases in Dimapur not alarming, claims Nagaland Health minister
DIMAPUR — Following a series of meetings with doctors from both the government and private hospitals and after obtaining detailed statistical data on dengue cases, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, P Paiwang Konyak, on Thursday claimed that the dengue surge in Dimapur is not alarming and urged the public not to panic.
Konyak said this while addressing medical practitioners and media persons after visiting Chümoukedima Police Hospital, Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CHISR), and District Hospital Dimapur.
He expressed satisfaction over the preparation of the hospital beds as a contingency plan in case of an emergency for dengue in all the three hospitals, and assured extending all required help
In light of the dengue cases in Dimapur, he claimed that the situation cannot not be considered an epidemic, citing the reason that, according to recent data collected, 70% of 100 patients showed mild fever with dengue-like symptoms, and only 30% were dengue cases, with only two to three classified as severe and requiring blood transfusion.
He also assured that the government is taking all necessary steps to control the dengue outbreak and that there are enough platelets and blood in storage.
Konyak emphasised the importance of source reduction and prevention as the primary dengue control strategy. He maintained that, while fogging was used, it should not be relied on solely and advocated for the significance of cleanliness and sanitation efforts.
With the activation of DTF, Konyak urged active participation from ward representatives, chairmen, GBs, and local leaders to raise public awareness, citing the adage ‘prevention is better than cure.’
He also advised elderly individuals with fever symptoms to avoid unnecessary travel, while appealing to Dimapur residents exhibiting symptoms not to travel to their native villages.
To effectively combat the surge, the minister called for unity among all stakeholders in raising awareness and implementing preventive measures.