National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme reports rising mosquito density in Nagaland and issues advisory on prevention of malaria, dengue, and JE.
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DIMAPUR — The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) has reported that a routine entomological study on malaria, dengue and Japanese encephalitis (JE) found that vector density is increasing in the state.
According to a press release, additionally, favourable climatic conditions, the presence of breeding sites due to stagnant water, and inconsistent community compliance with preventive measures may be further contributing to the surge in vector populations.
It was noted that the trend highlights the urgent need to promote community awareness, carry out source reduction measures, and ensure early diagnosis and treatment to prevent further escalation of cases.
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It was appealed to the public to remove stagnant water from all containers around the house, like flowerpot bases, empty vessels, coolers, tyres, and buckets, once a week because mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and the eggs will hatch in a week.
It advised keeping all water-filled vessels and tanks tightly covered and throwing out any rubbish lying around, like plastic cups, old containers, tyres, and coconut shells. It also discouraged rearing pigs near human dwellings, as the JE virus infects and amplifies in pigs, which can be transmitted to humans.
Sleeping under a mosquito net during the day and night, especially for pregnant women and children, was encouraged. It further advised consulting a doctor immediately in case of high fever.
Vector-borne disease do’s and don’ts
TO DO
Mosquito population reduction: Ensure materials outside your house don’t collect water, as mosquitoes breed there.
Remove stagnant water around your house on a weekly basis.
Allow/support health workers to conduct activities for control of mosquitoes.
Keep pigs and piggeries away from your house.
Use a mosquito net (LLIN) while sleeping, even during the day. Dengue mosquitoes bite during the day.
Secure windows and doors: Use wire mesh on your windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering your house.
Use mosquito nets. LLINs are available which not only act as physical barriers but also reduce mosquito populations.
Use mosquito repellent cream, coils, liquidators, etc. in places with high mosquito populations.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites: the same mosquito will bite your family members and infect them.
Wear long-sleeve clothes when going outdoors in mosquito-infested areas.
Rear larvivorous fishes (which eat up mosquito larvae) in stagnant water bodies.
Spread awareness on control of vectors, source reduction and seeking early medical care.
In case of fever, get your blood tested. At the onset of any symptoms, consult your doctor before taking any medication.
NOT TO DO
Don’t allow water to stagnate in and around your house in open containers, coconut shells, flower pots, etc.
Avoid self-medication or consulting an unqualified person.
Refrain from visiting outbreak areas as far as possible.
Avoid sitting outside without protection during the early hours of morning and late in the evening; dengue-causing mosquitoes are active during these periods.
Visiting dengue patient: avoid getting mosquito bites.
Fogging: Don’t rely solely on fogging, as it has side effects and doesn’t eliminate eggs and larvae.
Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) Dengue: Be cautious with RDT; they can produce false positives. Confirm it from Sentinel site hospitals (Naga Hospital Authority Kohima and District Hospital Dimapur). GOI and ICMR do not recommend the use of RDT for dengue diagnosis.