Dimapur, July 19 (MExN): In view of the detection of Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases in the Nagaland and also with the outbreak of JE in neighbouring state Assam, the State Vector Borne Disease Control Programme has issued an advisory urging the general public to take preventive measures and create awareness.
In the advisory, the State Vector Borne Disease Control Programme stated that Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis are caused by bite of mosquitoes and listed out symptoms and methods of prevention.
It said that the symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis include acute onset of fever and a change in mental status, and advised the public to contact the nearest hospital in case they exhibit these symptoms.
“Immunise your child against Japanese Encephalitis (contact your nearest hospital for details),” it added.
It also advised the use of preventive measures like mosquito nets and other mosquito repellents to prevent mosquito bites and said that stagnant water should not be allowed to collect in and around the home since mosquito breed in them.
Further, it stated that pigs play an important role in JE, “as JE virus multiplies in pigs without suffering from disease and maintain the virus for a long time,” and as such, recommended rearing of pigs in enclosures, away from human habitat.
Similarly, it said that people infected with Dengue have symptoms like high fever, headache, joint and muscular pain, nausea, skin rash, and fatigue. “Immediately consult a doctor in case of high fever,” it advised.
To prevent Dengue, it recommended getting rid of stagnant water from places where mosquito breed, such as old containers, flower pots, used tyres etc and keeping all water-filled vessels and tanks tightly covered.
Wear clothes that cover the complete body and sleep under mosquito net preferably insecticide treated (LLIN) during day and night time, it added.
