Imphal, October 16 (IANS). Dengue cases have increased in the northeastern state with 102 more people found infected with dengue in six of the 16 districts of Manipur on Thursday.
At least 2,585 people have been found infected with dengue in the state so far this year, while one patient suffering from the vector-borne disease has died in the state’s Bishnupur district, a report by the Health and Family Welfare Department said.
According to officials, positive cases of dengue so far this year have increased by 91 percent compared to the same period last year (2024). The report said that between January 1 and October 12 this year, 2,585 positive cases were reported out of 6,093 people tested.
Health and Family Welfare Department officials said there has been an increase of 1232 cases this year. During the same period in 2024, 1,353 cases of dengue were reported.
Of the state’s 16 administrative districts comprising valley and hilly areas, Imphal West reported the highest number of cases at 1,839, followed by Imphal East (434), Bishnupur (79), Thoubal (67), Senapati (45), Kakching (37) and Ukhrul (23).
The worst affected areas are Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur and Thoubal districts, which fall in the densely populated Imphal Valley region. Whereas Senapati, Kakching and Ukhrul districts are in hilly areas.
One person has died due to dengue in Bishnupur district. An official of the Health and Family Welfare Department said that under the guidelines of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP), the department is trying to prevent dengue in collaboration with other departments.
The official said that the increasing cases of dengue in Imphal Valley is a matter of concern. Prolonged monsoon rains and stagnant water have created favorable conditions for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, leading to the spread of dengue.
The health department has intensified fogging and awareness campaigns to control mosquitoes. Municipal bodies and the urban development department have appealed to people to keep their surroundings clean, remove stagnant water and use mosquito repellents and nets.
–IANS
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