Dengue positive case detected in Dimapur; 8 lakh mosquito nets for Nagaland

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Dec. 7 (EMN): One positive dengue case was detected out of eight blood samples tested, the additional director for National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP), Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Temsula Jamir, said on Monday.

Confirming this, the official maintained that ‘it is dengue season’ and added that around 234 cases were detected in Dimapur in 2018. However, fewer cases were reported in 2019.

According to Jamir, entomological studies coupled with information, education and communication (IEC) activities organised by the department had contained the cases last year.

“Till now, only eight is reported and one is confirmed and it is from Duncan Bosti,” the official, adding that the patient who tested positive is ‘doing well’.

She informed that the department received the report on Friday (December 4) and consequently, action was taken wherein the entomological team was deployed ‘for the study of the vector’ while fogging (fumigation) was done on Sunday.

The additional director asserted that “it is not an outbreak and people should not panic”, and she further sought the support of the community in enabling the departmental activities to prevent any outbreak.

She informed about the entomological study that was carried out for the recent case wherein the larvae were found from flowerpot bases. She stressed on the need of changing water from the bases every week and sought for community participation in the fight against dengue.

Meanwhile, Jamir stressed on the measures for prevention and control of dengue such as covering water containers; removal or destruction of disposals, unused materials in surrounding like old tyres, broken pots, crockery; keeping the surrounding dry and hygienic.

She also advised to wear clothes that cover the entire body during the day; ensuring that pregnant women and children sleep under mosquito nets (insecticide-treated nets), applying mosquito repellent lotion among others.

Eight lakh mosquito nets for Nagaland

According to the official, the government of India distributed mosquito nets in 2016, and after a gap of four years, the state received half of the sanctioned nets this year.

She informed that half of the nets have reached the state and distributions are on in some districts while the remaining stock is expected to reach the state soon.

The official maintained that the government of India sanctions the nets based on the annual parasite report.

“If we calculate according to that it will be very less but we have asked for more, and eight lakh have been sanctioned, which some have reached and rest are on the way for distribution both for rural and urban sectors,” said Jamir.