DIMAPUR, JULY 12 (MExN): The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), in observance of Anti-Dengue Month organized a one-day workshop on prevention and control of Dengue at Hotel Saramati on July 11. Principal Director, Health & Family Welfare Dr. R. Imtimeren Jamir was the chief guest while the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur was the guest of honour. Dengue was first detected in Nagaland back in 2009 with 25 persons testing positive and two suspected cases in 2010. Till date there has been no report of fatality caused by the vector borne disease, fortunately. It is transmitted to humans by a breed of mosquitoes called Aedes Aegypti. The seminar had in attendance colony and village elders (chairmen and gaonburahs) from Dimapur, besides medical doctors and the sanitation wing of the municipal council. It dwelled on evoking mass public awareness on the disease that has so far no known cure or vaccine. Knowledge and preventive measures being the only effective tool against Dengue, it called upon everyone to take up the fight as a personal obligation.
Principal Director, Dr. Jamir while terming it as a ‘social problem’ said fighting Dengue need the involvement of all stakeholders, supported by effective control measures and the active participation of urban local bodies. He proposed an action plan wherein awareness campaign topped the list. “The role of municipal urban authorities is of paramount importance.” Thus, he appealed all the stakeholders to come forward and give a helping hand to the medical department.
NVBDCP conduct awareness workshop with stakeholders
ADC, Khro concurred: “There are some things we have to do by ourselves.” He urged the gathering to take advantage of the information learned today, take it back to their respective homes, colonies and wards and spread the message. Dr. Ketholeho, Senior Entomologist, NVBDCP dwelling on ‘Vector Control and Preventive Measures’ said that the period July-October is very particularly vulnerable to the outbreak of vector borne epidemics. This is the transition season of Dengue, Malaria and Japanese Encephalitis carrying mosquitoes. Dengue is known as an urban ailment and is communicated to humans by a breed of mosquitoes called Aedes Aegypti (also called ‘tiger mosquitoes’ because of the black and white stripes enveloping their body). “It usually bites during the day”, he informed.
It breeds in temporary pools of stagnant water while its egg can live without water for more than a year. With no known cure or vaccine, except symptoms and supportive treatment, against Dengue, “prevention is the only answer”, he said. Fogging or space-spraying with malathion, use of insecticides, and setting free larvivorous fish breeding into groundswater bodies can be effective. Using simple mosquito net is a highly effective preventive measure besides using repellents. However, it all comes down to public responsibility, he said. The most crucial factor is keeping the surroundings clean and free from all forms of environments that may encourage breeding of mosquitoes. Carrying out cleanliness drives at regular intervals can go a long way in preventing Dengue from appearing.
Dr. Moa Jamir, District Programme Officer, Dimapur outlined the signs and symptoms of Dengue fever. The most common symptoms, he said are severe headache and high fever, pain in the muscles and joints, pain in the rear portion of the eye, nausea and vomiting, bleeding through the nose and gums in serious cases, measles-like rash over chest and upper limb. Mortality is high among children and hence, the most vulnerable.
After all is said and done, it all comes down to the diagnosis since treatment would solely depend on it. On this Dr. Talimoa of ZHRC raised the concern of mushrooming of private medical laboratories in Dimapur. He called for more stringent guidelines and raising the standard of the laboratories while stressing that the concerned department makes it a point that the technicians are certified professionals.
Principal Director, Dr. Jamir while terming it as a ‘social problem’ said fighting Dengue need the involvement of all stakeholders, supported by effective control measures and the active participation of urban local bodies. He proposed an action plan wherein awareness campaign topped the list. “The role of municipal urban authorities is of paramount importance.” Thus, he appealed all the stakeholders to come forward and give a helping hand to the medical department.
NVBDCP conduct awareness workshop with stakeholders
ADC, Khro concurred: “There are some things we have to do by ourselves.” He urged the gathering to take advantage of the information learned today, take it back to their respective homes, colonies and wards and spread the message. Dr. Ketholeho, Senior Entomologist, NVBDCP dwelling on ‘Vector Control and Preventive Measures’ said that the period July-October is very particularly vulnerable to the outbreak of vector borne epidemics. This is the transition season of Dengue, Malaria and Japanese Encephalitis carrying mosquitoes. Dengue is known as an urban ailment and is communicated to humans by a breed of mosquitoes called Aedes Aegypti (also called ‘tiger mosquitoes’ because of the black and white stripes enveloping their body). “It usually bites during the day”, he informed.
It breeds in temporary pools of stagnant water while its egg can live without water for more than a year. With no known cure or vaccine, except symptoms and supportive treatment, against Dengue, “prevention is the only answer”, he said. Fogging or space-spraying with malathion, use of insecticides, and setting free larvivorous fish breeding into groundswater bodies can be effective. Using simple mosquito net is a highly effective preventive measure besides using repellents. However, it all comes down to public responsibility, he said. The most crucial factor is keeping the surroundings clean and free from all forms of environments that may encourage breeding of mosquitoes. Carrying out cleanliness drives at regular intervals can go a long way in preventing Dengue from appearing.
Dr. Moa Jamir, District Programme Officer, Dimapur outlined the signs and symptoms of Dengue fever. The most common symptoms, he said are severe headache and high fever, pain in the muscles and joints, pain in the rear portion of the eye, nausea and vomiting, bleeding through the nose and gums in serious cases, measles-like rash over chest and upper limb. Mortality is high among children and hence, the most vulnerable.
After all is said and done, it all comes down to the diagnosis since treatment would solely depend on it. On this Dr. Talimoa of ZHRC raised the concern of mushrooming of private medical laboratories in Dimapur. He called for more stringent guidelines and raising the standard of the laboratories while stressing that the concerned department makes it a point that the technicians are certified professionals.
Mass cleanliness drive
The gathering today also resolved to conduct a mass cleanliness drive in Dimapur on July 16. The proposal was put forward by the chairman of Lake View colony council chairman and was unanimously accepted by the house. Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur Dr. Sukhato Sema appealed the public of Dimapur to support the call. He also requested the district administration to come out with a public announcement informing the same. It is scheduled from 6:00 am to 8:00 am.
The gathering today also resolved to conduct a mass cleanliness drive in Dimapur on July 16. The proposal was put forward by the chairman of Lake View colony council chairman and was unanimously accepted by the house. Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur Dr. Sukhato Sema appealed the public of Dimapur to support the call. He also requested the district administration to come out with a public announcement informing the same. It is scheduled from 6:00 am to 8:00 am.
