Post Manipur flood - Outbreak of disease looms large

After the flood, spread of vector-borne and other diseases looms large in various parts of Manipur particularly in Imphal Valley and Churachandpur district, a state Health department official said today.
The official said latest available report stated that "as of today morning, at least more than 136 individuals have tested positive for Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Dengue, Swine Flu and the recent Scrub Typhus."
Vector borne and other diseases spread in the valley area following the flood, the sources said.
Officials attributed contamination of stagnant water bodies, improper access to potable water and lack of safeguarding from mosquito bites and other insects as the main reasons behind the outbreak of these diseases.

The first case of Japanese Encephalitis was first detected on June 5 at New Lamka in Churachandpur district while the first case of Dengue was first detected on May 4.
Officials said on July 24, a 44-year old person died due to Swine Flu while the medical test results of another patient, suspected to be affected by the Flu,is still being awaited.
On July 15, Health Minister L Jayanta Kumar had remarked that the death was indeed due to Swine Flu and that the government has set up isolation wards at the state run Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) and RIMS.

Meanwhile, a person from Imphal East district died on July 25 last as a result of Scrub Typhus caused by insect bite.