Mosquito-borne diseases hit Manipur: At least 16 dead; symptoms, safety tips

New Delhi: The Northeastern state of Manipur has been hit by mosquito-borne diseases, claiming at least lives of 16 people in village along the India-Myanmar border, while another four deaths in other parts are suspected to have the same cause.

The situation has prompted Manipur Health and Family Welfare Minister L Jayantakumar Singh to sound a high health alert over mosquito-borne diseases in the state on Sunday, particularly in areas bordering Myanmar, such as Tengnoupal and Churachandpur districts.

He said the diseases may break out in some parts of the state since there is trans-border movement of persons.

The minister added that the government has sounded alerts and started taking preventive measures to check outbreak of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who took stock of the situation in an emergency meeting, said over 200 persons are affected by mosquito-borne diseases in just one district - Churachandpur.

"A fund had been sanctioned to transport over 100 persons from Henglep and other inaccessible villages in Churachandpur. If needed, the persons will be airlifted.

"This morning we have despatched 15 doctors and 30 paramedics to Churachandpur along with medicines to cope with the situation. We have deployed health officials in border towns to check those coming from other areas of infections," he said.

Meanwhile, a woman, whose husband died recently, has appealed to the authorities to disclose the cause of death.

According to health officials, he was suffering from suspected swine flu.

His fluid samples were sent to Guwahati to establish the cause of the ailment, however, he died before the results were received.

Mosquito-borne diseases

Mosquito-borne diseases are those spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. These include dengue, chikungunya, malaria, yellow fever, Zika virus, among others.

Reports say over 100 persons from Henglep sub-division in Churachandpur district were hospitalised during the last three days following an outbreak of dengue and Japanese encephalitis (JE) – a disease spread through mosquito bites. JE is an infection of the brain caused by the mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of mosquito-borne illnesses include – fever, headache, chills, malaise, nausea, body aches, hypotension, etc.

Preventing mosquito-borne illnesses

While mosquitoes transmit several dangerous diseases, which can be fatal, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk or protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases. The best way to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses is to avoid mosquito bites. Here are some ways to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites that can make you sick:

• Use insect repellent – opt for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents, which are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Wear light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use screens on your windows and doors.
• Use mosquito nets while sleeping.
• Empty or treat any items that hold water, such as flower pots, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, cans, and barrels to reduce mosquito breeding places in your house or yard.
• Keep your surroundings clean and dry.

Besides taking these precautions, you should seek medical help right away if you develop a fever, headache, rash, muscle or joint pain.