Imphal, Oct 14: Manipur is grappling with a deteriorating Dengue outbreak, with 1338 confirmed cases registered as of October 13. This represents the highest number of infections recorded in the state in recent times. To put this into context, in 2021, there were just 203 reported cases of Dengue, which increased to 503 cases in 2022.
According to a status report released by the State Health Directorate, this year has seen a rise in Dengue cases without any reported fatalities, although five suspected Dengue-related deaths have been recorded. The worst-hit district is Imphal West, with 898 cases, including three suspected deaths, while the newly formed districts of Pherzawl and Jiribam have yet to report any cases.
The status report further breaks down the cases as follows: Imphal East (241 cases), Thoubal (79), Tengnoupal (15), Chandel (4), Senapati (28), Kangpokpi (8), Noney (5), Kakching (13), and Ukhrul and Kamjong (1 each).
This concerning outbreak occurs at a time when Manipur is still trying to recover from ethnic strife that began on May 3, resulting in the displacement of over 60,000 people. Many of these individuals are currently housed in makeshift relief camps, occupying schools, colleges, community halls, and government buildings.
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through mosquitoes infected with the Dengue virus (DENV). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately half of the world’s population is at risk of Dengue, with an estimated 100–400 million infections occurring each year.
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Dr. S. Priyokumar, the State Malaria Officer of the National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme, highlighted that Dengue mosquitoes lay their eggs in clean water stored in containers inside homes, such as bottles, flower vases, and tires. Dr. Priyokumar encourages individuals to wear long sleeves and pants during the day, as these mosquitoes are active in daylight hours.
The current situation is exacerbated by the over 60,000 people sheltered in 351 relief camps since early May. The challenges in most of these camps include inadequate sanitation and water supply, increasing the potential for mosquito breeding. Additionally, crowded living spaces increase the risk of mass infection.
Most Dengue cases are asymptomatic or result in mild illness, with only a small percentage developing into severe cases. Early detection and timely medical care are crucial for reducing the fatality rates of severe Dengue.
Symptoms typically appear 4–10 days after infection and last for 2–7 days. They include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash. Individuals infected for the second time are at risk of severe Dengue. Symptoms of severe Dengue typically appear after the fever has subsided and include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums or nose, fatigue, restlessness, blood in vomit or stool, excessive thirst, pale and cold skin, and weakness.
