For years, the undivided Dimapur (now bifurcated into three districts, including Chümoukedima and Niuland) has been a hotspot for vector-borne diseases such as dengue, Japanese Encephalitis, and malaria in Nagaland.
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For years, the undivided Dimapur (now bifurcated into three districts, including Chümoukedima and Niuland) has been a hotspot for vector-borne diseases such as dengue, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), and malaria in Nagaland, driven by the interplay of its humid climate, poor sanitation, unplanned urban growth, and poverty, among other factors. However, this once breeding ground of these diseases has witnessed a consistent decline in cases over the past few years, thanks to intense control measures initiated by the state government agencies. As per data access by this newspaper, not a single case has been reported in Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts so far this year (as of April 19). In 2025, the total number of dengue cases in the region stood at 53, including four fatalities, while 17 JE (four deaths) and 12 malaria cases were reported. This is a marginal increase from 32 dengue cases detected in 2024 but a sharp decline from 2,034 such cases reported in 2023. The significant decline in caseload is a reflection of increased preventive measures like mosquito breeding ground management, fogging, sanitation, aggressive awareness campaigns, and heightened vigilance. The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), under the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, issues advisories and guidelines every year in an attempt to curb the spread of vector-borne diseases besides identifying high-risk areas to allow the concerned authorities and communities to take targeted measures. The state has also recently established a dedicated 24x7 control room to monitor vector-borne diseases and ensure timely reporting and coordination, a move which can strengthen surveillance, enhance early detection and improve response time significantly.
While it is heartening to note that there have been no reported cases of vector-borne diseases in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland districts this year, it is important to remember that the peak period has not yet arrived. Typically, outbreaks of these diseases begin in June with the onset of the monsoon, often exacerbated by inadequate drainage systems and poor sanitation. Maintaining a clean environment and good hygiene practices are indispensable for preventing the spread of vector-borne diseases, such as those carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which breeds in stagnant water. It is as much a sanitation issue as it is a public health concern. However, Dimapur has a reputation for waste management issues. It takes just a few hours of rain to inundate the streets and low-lying areas, as garbage clogs the drains. It is a recurring phenomenon, and it cannot be ruled out this year as well with no sign of improvement in sanitation. The fight against vector-borne diseases should begin at home and in the streets. We can effectively control these preventable diseases through consistent cleanliness, including managing the breeding of primary vectors that transmit viruses, timely government action and active community participation.