WOKHA, AUGUST 14 (MExN): The Chief Medical Officer of Wokha, Dr Zubenthung Kikon, has sounded the alarm in the face of a surge in Dengue cases in the region. The CMO assured the public that the Medical Department is actively engaged in comprehensive efforts to prevent further outbreaks of the disease.
This comes in response to a notification from the Senior Medical Officer of the Bhandari Community Health Centre (CHC), who alerted the CMO’s office to suspected Dengue cases in Merapani. In response, the District Surveillance Officer, along with dedicated medical staff, conducted an intensive active case-finding operation and a thorough house-to-house survey on July 27. Samples from these suspected cases were promptly sent for confirmatory testing to the Naga Hospital Authority in Kohima, in accordance with directives received from the medical directorate.
On August 7, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) in Wokha, along with a medical officer from the Bhandari CHC and a community health officer from the Merapani Health and Wellness Centre, carried out an entomological survey, extensive fogging, and launched a public awareness campaign in the Bhandari block.
The CMO acknowledged the efforts of the medical staff at the Merapani Health and Wellness Centre and the Bhandari CHC, who are working to provide treatment to affected patients. He emphasized the collaborative approach being taken to combat the Dengue outbreak, with the NVBDCP, IDSP Wokha team, District Administration, and village council leaders working in unison.
He further expressed gratitude to Achumbemo Kikon, MLA, Bhandari for extending financial assistance to the department. This support is being used to bolster surveillance and awareness efforts regarding Dengue within the district.
The NVBDCP Wokha team has laid out plans for an awareness and mass screening camp focused on Dengue and malaria. This camp is scheduled to take place in Vungotchu, Saron, and Rachan colonies in Wokha town on August 16 and 17. Dr. Kikon appealed to the public to cooperate with the department during such disease outbreaks by following recommended preventive measures against Dengue.
