CCpur emerges as Dengue hotspot

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 12 : Churachandpur has emerged as a Dengue hotspot, with 70 cases reported in the district in just three days.
According to a report from the Directorate of Health Services, the State has so far reported 553 Dengue cases this year, with Churachandpur recording the highest number at 176, followed by Imphal East (153), Imphal West (133), Bishnupur (24), Tengnoupal (19), Chandel (12), Thoubal (11), Kangpokpi (7), Kakching (7), Ukhrul (6), Noney (3), Kamjong (1) and Tamenglong (1).
Speaking to The Sangai Express in this regard, National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) Entomologist Dr Ngangom Sujalata said that Dengue, though often considered a seasonal disease, has become a growing concern due to changing weather patterns and environmental conditions that favour the breeding of mosquitoes.
She explained that rising temperatures accelerate mosquito breeding.
She said that Dengue is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is also known as the yellow fever mosquito, adding that the mosquito has a lifespan of around five months.
She said that a temperature of around 15 degrees Celsius is favourable for mosquitoes and could contribute to a rise in Dengue cases.
Advising people to check for potential mosquito-breeding sites, such as discarded tyres, cans and other containers that can collect water, she urged them to dispose of such items properly and keep water storage containers tightly covered.
She also advised people to change the water in containers at least once a week to prevent mosquito breeding.
She also advised people with water tanks installed in their houses to ensure that there are no holes or leaks and to clean the tanks regularly to prevent mosquito breeding.
Saying that fogging is not advisable as it also kills insects that are beneficial to humans and the environment, she said that diseases such as Malaria and Dengue can be prevented through proper sanitation and elimination of mosquito-breeding sites.