Over 100 Dengue cases in Dimapur
Dimapur has been witnessing a surge in conjunctivitis (eye flu) and dengue cases during the past weeks.
According to reports, dengue cases in Dimapur district recorded a major surge, with 115 confirmed cases out of the 841 tested. While 11 patients continue to avail treatment, there has been no report of any mortality so far.
Talking to Nagaland Post, Dimapur district surveillance officer Dr Kavito Zhimomi stressed on knowing symptoms, treatment, and prevention of dengue. He said symptoms of dengue include high fever, throbbing headache, and body ache during 5-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
The most vulnerable groups included children, adult age group and immuno-compromised individuals who should seek urgent medical attention if symptoms develop.
Dr. Kavito disclosed that July was a challenging month as there was a major hike dengue cases, even as the district observed anti-dengue month. He said t various Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) strategies were implemented, alongside Behaviour Change Communication (BCC).
On concerns regarding new strains of dengue, Zhimomi said the district hospital had not yet initiated serotyping. He emphasised on the importance of timely treatment, especially given the reports of patients with severely low blood platelet counts. He also mentioned that efforts to control the outbreak continued in right earnest through fogging activities being carried out every evening.
Dr.Kavito also said the district hospital staff were available around the clock to respond to any given situation and provide necessary treatment. He also acknowledged that partnerships with private healthcare providers had played a pivotal role in managing the outbreak and providing relief to the affected.
According to Dr.Kavito people’s role in containing the dengue outbreak remained vital as fogging activities alone were not enough. He advised public against water stagnation, especially post rainfall, as such environments were breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Dengue virus is primarily transmitted by through the bites of an infective female Aedes mosquito, which mainly acquires the virus while feeding on the blood of an infected person. They typically bite during the early morning and in the evening, but they may bite and thus spread infection at any time of day.
Conjunctivitis cases on the rise: Reported cases of conjunctivitis, or ‘pink eye’, has also been on the rise in Dimapur. According to a doctor, conjunctivitis cases have been reported since July. A conjunctivitis patient generally experiences eyes turning red, feeling itchy and painful, and witnessing a watery or thicker discharge.
The disease can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens, and in some cases can be highly infectious.
To protect oneself from the infection, a person should practice proper hygiene, not touching the eyes with unclean hands, and not to share articles like towels, contact lenses, or eye makeup products.
The sudden rise in conjunctivitis cases can be attributed to the heavy rainfall and floods that have affected various regions in the country. The increased moisture, moderate adequate temperature and unhygienic conditions due to the floods, contaminated water supply, and importantly, aerosoling (microdrops) of dirty water from roads by fast moving vehicles create a conducive environment for the spread of the infection, they say.