Dimapur sees significant drop in dengue cases compared to last year

DIMAPUR — Dimapur district, including Chümoukedima and Niuland, has recorded only three dengue cases so far this year, a sharp decline from the 2,043 cases reported in 2023.

As of Tuesday, Dimapur urban area reported two cases, while Chümoukedima reported one.

Peter Sangtam, Consultant of the District Vector Borne Disease (DVBD) programme in Dimapur, attributed the decline to increased community awareness and proactive preventative measures.

He informed that the DVBD has been conducting house-to-house visits and undertaking various activities to eliminate mosquito breeding sites since September 16. These efforts, part of a two-month initiative, will continue across Nagaland, focusing on areas with high dengue incidence last year.

During this process, they will also educate the public and raise awareness and mentioned that this initiative, primarily aimed at checking mosquito larvae breeding ground, which will continue for two months.

Sangtam emphasised the importance of continued vigilance, noting that dengue cases typically peak after the monsoon season. Although the monsoon is nearing its end, this does not guarantee that dengue cases will not increase, he cautioned, adding that monitoring will continue until November.

Last year, Dimapur experienced a surge in dengue cases between October and November, with a total of 469 cases reported by September 2023.

Despite the current low numbers, the consultant warned against complacency. “Although only three dengue cases have been reported so far this year… we cannot rule out the possibility of more cases being detected,” he said.

In 2023, Nagaland tested 10,896 samples for dengue, with 4,318 returning positive. Dimapur district alone accounted for 2,043 of these positive cases.