Health department ramps up dengue preventive measures in Nagaland

DIMAPUR— Against the backdrop of two dengue cases being reported in Dimapur, the Health department has ramped up anti-dengue activities across the district under the aegis of National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme Dimapur Unit.

It came days after District Vector Borne Diseases (DVBD) consultant Peter Sangtam told this newspaper that dengue cases were detected from Mishikito and Lungwiram villages under Dimapur district this month.

To contain the spread of dengue, mini health camps were organised at Arok and Lungwiram villages as well as Pilgrim Higher Secondary School to screen the virus as well as create awareness about vector borne diseases, said an update received here on Wednesday.

A house-to-house inspection was conducted at Mishikito with the help of the village authority to check any potential breeding ground for mosquitoes as well as spread awareness on taking preventive measures against vector-borne diseases like Japanese encephalitis, dengue, malaria, etc., it said.

“A total of 107 blood samples for dengue have been collected during the camp and over 150 beneficiaries have been screened for malaria and other vector borne diseases. No positive cases were detected,” read the update.

Entomological studies were conducted at various high risk areas in the district besides carrying out fogging and other anti-dengue activities, it was informed.

District Vector Borne Officer, Dr. Kavito Zhimomi, who is also District Surveillance Officer, urged the public to support anti-dengue activities by keeping their surroundings clean, drain any object around the house that collects water, use mosquito nets at night, use mosquito repellants, wear clothes that covers the body and cover any water storages or standing water.

He further requested the public to get tested for dengue or malaria if any suspected symptoms occur.

Also read: Dimapur reports two dengue cases; expert asks public to take preventive measures